Name: Indian-Spiced Rice with Lentils
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils; 1 cup basmati rice*; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 2 1-inch pieces of cinnamon stick; 2 whole cloves; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger; 4 1/3 cups water; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon turmeric; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

"I'm from India," writes Hema Kundargi of Cupertino, California, "and I enjoy the foods of my homeland. My children are the opposite — they like 'American' food. But I haven't given up trying to make Indian meals that the whole family will like. This recipe pleases everyone."

Recipe information

Yield
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1 cup dried lentils

1 cup basmati rice*

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

2 1-inch pieces of cinnamon stick

2 whole cloves

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger

4 1/3 cups water

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Preparation

Step 1
Rinse lentils; drain. Place in small bowl. Rinse rice; drain. Place in another small bowl. Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cinnamon, cloves, and cumin; sauté about 2 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; sauté about 30 seconds. Add water, salt, sugar, and turmeric; bring to boil. Reduce heat; add lentils and cook 8 minutes. Increase heat to high. Add rice and boil 5 minutes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until lentils and rice are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes longer. Remove from heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Transfer rice to large bowl. Remove cinnamon stick pieces and cloves. Mix in cilantro and lime juice.
Step 2
- Basmati rice is available at Indian markets and some supermarkets.

Recipe information

Ingredients

Preparation

Step 1

Step 2

Recipe notes