Assyrian-style Spiced Rice with Lentils and Fried Onions

Ingredients

In this Assyrian adaptation, we incorporate saffron-infused rice instead of plain rice to add a touch of luxury and elevate the flavors. Additionally, we use Assyrian spices such as cumin, coriander, and cardamom to infuse the dish with the unique flavors of Assyrian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Nataing, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 cup (200g) lentils 1 cup (200g) lentils
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 10 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, combine the drained rice, lentils, water, cumin, coriander, cardamom, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are cooked and tender.
5. 5.
   While the rice is cooking, heat vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove the onions from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
6. 6.
   Once the rice and lentils are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish. Top the rice with the crispy fried onions.
8. 8.
   Drizzle the saffron water over the rice for a vibrant yellow color and added aroma.
9. 9.
   Serve the Assyrian-style spiced rice with lentils and fried onions hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and color of saffron, soak the threads in warm water before using them in the recipe.
• Lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
• Basmati rice — Soaking the rice before cooking helps to achieve a fluffy texture. Make sure to drain the rice well before adding it to the pot.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can toast the cumin, coriander, and cardamom seeds before grinding them.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the rice and lentil mixture.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked lentils instead of cooking them from scratch.
• Serve the dish with a side of yogurt or cucumber raita to balance the flavors.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.

Serving advice

Serve the Assyrian-style spiced rice with lentils and fried onions as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. The vibrant yellow color of the saffron-infused rice, topped with crispy fried onions, creates an inviting and visually appealing dish.