One-Pot Rice and Lentils with Dried Fruit

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"Many culinary cultures have their own version of a rice and lentil dish. For me it’s the very definition of comfort food and what in Italian we would call “piatto unico” - a complete meal on its own, something that doesn’t require any additional side dish. I made this in my rice cooker. If you have a slow cooker or a pressure cooker that works too. Basically just throw all ingredients in and let it steam until all the water is absorbed. Top it with a generous amount of crispy fried onions for a delicious touch. I used brown basmati rice and green puy lentils - you can use whatever you have in your pantry, though I suggest using a long-grain rice."
-- @isabella.akshay

Recipe Intro From isabella.akshay

Use any dried fruit or nuts you like in this hearty rice and lentil dish. Fried shallots and dill take this over the top! Extra roasted veggies from last night? Chop it and add it to the pot.

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  • Recipe Card
Prep time 10mins
Cook time 40mins
Serves or Makes: 2

Recipe Card

ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large banana shallot or yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup brown basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup green puy lentils
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable bouillon
  • 1 tablespoon hawajj
  • 1/2 cup mixed dried fruit and nuts
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 large bunch fresh dill, roughly chopped

Method

  • Step 1

    Preheat a pressure cooker, rice cooker or slow cooker while you prep the ingredients. Add the olive oil while the cooker is preheating.

  • Step 2

    Once the cooker has preheated, add the banana shallot or yellow onion and close the lid.

  • Step 3

    Rinse both rice and lentils until the water comes out clear. Then add to the cooker, along with salt, pepper and bullion. Add the dried fruit and nuts, the hawaij, along with 3 cups of water . Be sure to adjust the amount of water to the type of rice that is being cooked, using less if white rice is your choice. Stir well, cover and let it cook until all water evaporates, for a pressure cooker it should be 3 whistles.

  • Step 4

    While the rice and lentils are cooking, take a small frying pan on medium high heat, add the canola oil and fry the sliced red onions until crispy and translucent, 5-6 minutes.

  • Step 5

    When the rice and lentil are cooked through, add fresh dill and mix well. Remove from the cooker and top with crispy fried onions before serving.

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