Crispy Bottom Basmati Rice With Lentils Food

CRISPY BOTTOM BASMATI RICE WITH LENTILS

Steps:

• Wash the rice in several changes of warm water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 6 to 8 hours or overnight, in cold water to cover, with 1 tablespoon of the salt. (Alternatively, to save time, soak the rice in lukewarm water with the salt for 30 to 45 minutes.) Heat a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the lentils, garlic, pepper, and paprika. Continue cooking 2 minutes. Add 2 cups water, cover, and cook until tender, about 45 minutes. Season with the 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Stir in the basil. In a large saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring 2 1/2 quarts of water to a boil with the remaining 1 tablespoon of salt. Drain the rice from the soaking liquid and add it to the boiling water. Return to a boil and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Test a grain of rice for doneness; it should be cooked entirely except for a small part in the center. Strain the rice in a colander and rinse with warm water. Drain well. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, well seasoned or nonstick stock pot with a tight-fitting lid, over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons water and sprinkle the cooked rice evenly onto the bottom of the pot a spoonful at a time until two-thirds of the rice has been distributed. Spread the lentil mixture evenly over the rice. Cover the lentils with the remaining rice, mounding it slightly in the center. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke about 5 deep holes in the rice from the surface of rice to the bottom of the pot to allow steam to escape. Cover the pot with a thick cotton dish towel and place the lid on tightly. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 35 to 40 minutes, turning the pot occasionally. Fill the sink with cold water 1 or 2 inches deep. Remove the cover from the rice and have a large, round platter ready. Place the pot in the sink for 1 minute, watching so that no water enters the pot. Remove the pot and dry off the bottom, then invert the rice cake onto the platter. It should unmold itself in one piece and be golden brown. Bring the platter to the table and serve family style. Cut individual wedges from the rice cake, similar to cutting a pie.

BASMATI CUMIN LENTIL RICE

Steps:

• Cook the rice in the veggie broth with the butter (or oil) for 25 minutes, let it simmer covered.
• While the rice is cooking, boil the lentils, covered, in water until tender (about 20 minutes).
• When the rice and lentils are done cooking, steam the peas. DO NOT DRAIN the rice! The reason you cooked it in veggie broth is to add flavor, and the lentils and veggies will absorb the rest of the buttery broth.
• Mix them all together in a large bowl, add the spices, mix again, and serve.

PALESTINIAN LENTILS AND RICE WITH CRISPY ONIONS

Steps:

• Soak lentils in water for 3 hours; drain.
• Soak rice in water for 1/2 hour; drain.
• Saute onions in a large skillet for about 15 minutes, or until very brown and crisp.
• Remove onions to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
• Turn heat to medium-high and add lentils and rice to skillet; saute quickly in the browned-onion-flavored oil, adding cumin, salt and pepper.
• Add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
• Cover very tightly and then cook on very low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes.
• To serve, fluff up rice and lentils and top with the crispy browned onions.

ADAS POLO - PERSIAN RICE WITH LENTILS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and simmer lentils on low for 20 - 30 minutes, or until tender. Drain water from lentils and set aside.
• In a pan, saute the onions and garlic in oil. Add raisins, dates, and spices, except saffron. Mix well and set aside.
• Cook rice as you would like. For a sure-fire way, I use my rice cooker. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add to rice cooker and cover with 2 cups water. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a drizzle of oil. Cook. Once rice is done, transfer cooked rice to a large bowl.
• In the same pot (or your rice cooker), add oil to just cover the bottom surface. Add potato slices.
• Add a layer of rice.
• Add a layer of lentil-raisin mixture.
• Continue layering, ending with a final layer of rice.
• Cover and cook (on medium heat in a pot or just hit "cook" button on your rice cooker) for 10 minutes.
• Drizzle melted butter and saffron water over your rice.
• Cover the top of your pot or rice cooker with a tea towel to prevent steam from escaping, and top with lid.
• Cook on low for 30 minutes. You want to make the potatoes crispy, so they must cook slowly. In the rice cooker, I continuously hit the cook button so this process (called tadig) can happen. It's totally worth it!
• Serve.