CARAMELIZED BEET-LENTIL PILAF

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Caramelized Beet-Lentil Pilaf image

Simple, affordable, and a complete protein-there's a reason why rice and legumes are a staple meal in so many different cultures. Here, tender white rice and quick-cooking lentils make a hearty and satisfying vegetarian bowl. To dress things up and deepen the flavor, quick-cooking grated beets were caramelized and then simmered them with the grain mixture, and it's all topped off with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper.

Provided by Shira Bocar

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup brown lentils, rinsed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 medium golden beet, greens and stems chopped, root peeled and coarsely grated
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup long-grain white rice
Yogurt, for serving
Aleppo pepper, for serving

Steps:

  • Add lentils to a small saucepan and cover with 3 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and partially cover. Cook until lentils are almost tender, 10 to 12 minutes; drain.
  • In a large straight-sided skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, grated beets, and a generous pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Add 1 teaspoon salt, cumin, and rice and cook until rice looks opaque, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups water and lentils and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is crisp-tender, 15 minutes.
  • Uncover and top with beet greens. Cover and cook until greens are bright green and tender, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Serve with yogurt, Aleppo pepper, and a drizzle of oil.

Elizabeth itrechio
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Overall, this is a great recipe for a flavorful and healthy pilaf. I would definitely recommend it to others.


Maqbool jan
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The pilaf was a bit dry. I think I would add more liquid next time.


Saidul Islam Srabon
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The pilaf was a bit bland for my taste. I think I would add more spices next time.


Mak Paul
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Yum! This pilaf is so flavorful and satisfying. The caramelized beets add a lovely sweetness and the lentils give it a hearty texture. Definitely a keeper recipe.


Kamleshray yadav
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The pilaf was delicious! The beets added a beautiful color and a slightly sweet flavor. The lentils were cooked perfectly and the pilaf had a nice fluffy texture.


Denzil Kumar
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This dish was a hit at my dinner party. Everyone loved the combination of sweet and savory flavors. The pilaf was also very easy to make.


Rikesh Mandal
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Great recipe! The pilaf turned out flavorful and aromatic. The caramelized beets added a nice depth of flavor and sweetness. Will definitely make this again.


Mohammad subhan Subhan
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Loved the vibrant color and unique flavor of this pilaf. The caramelized beets were perfectly caramelized and added a touch of smokiness to the dish.


kenaleone libingi
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Easy to follow recipe that produced a delicious and visually appealing dish. The caramelized beets added a beautiful color and subtle sweetness to the pilaf.


Mafaz Mjm
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This dish was a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The caramelized beets added a hint of sweetness, while the lentils provided a hearty and earthy base. The pilaf was cooked to perfection, with a fluffy and tender texture.