This is one of the first Recipes I came across when I first started eating plant based. I love eating middle eastern food and hope to one day visit the many beautiful countries there. I love the spice combos with cumin and garlic and cinnamon , basil and so much more. And this is a great dish for someone transitioning to being vegan. Its basically a middle eastern version of rice and beans but way better. I love learning about cultures around the world. Every culture seems to have a version of rice and beans. And in this case lentils! You cant go wrong!
If you have any other middle eastern dishes I should try that are plant based let me know !
Ingredients
- 2 cups Brown jasmine rice
- 1 thinly sliced onion
- 1 cup soaked dried green lentils
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 1tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 garlic cloves crushed finely
- 5 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot, saute in oil, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, cinnamon.
- Stir in rice and add water to boil
- After 10 mins add lentils and reduce heat to simmer and cover x 25 mins
- meanwhile, add oil to skillet and caramelize onions in pan. stir every 3 minutes until golden brown, about 20 mins. If burning then reduce heat.
- Remove lid off rice pot and stir. Garnish with onions and cilantro
- Serve and Enjoy!