Spiced Lentil Rice

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Paruppu Sadam, a popular Indian dish, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Southern African cuisine. While the original recipe uses Indian spices like cumin and turmeric, we substitute them with regional spices such as coriander, paprika, and cinnamon. Additionally, we replace the traditional basmati rice with a local variety to enhance the authenticity of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Paruppu sadam, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) lentils 1 cup (200g) lentils
• 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 56g, 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until golden brown.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground coriander, paprika, and ground cinnamon, and cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the lentils and rice to the pot, stirring well to coat them with the spices.
6. 6.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils and rice are tender and cooked through.
8. 8.
   Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of Spiced Lentil Rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
• Vegetable broth — If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought.

Tips & Tricks

• For added texture and flavor, you can garnish the dish with toasted almonds or cashews.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Add more paprika for a spicier kick or increase the cinnamon for a warmer flavor.
• Serve the Spiced Lentil Rice with a side of tangy tomato chutney or a refreshing cucumber raita.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Lentil Rice as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some additional fresh cilantro on top of the dish before serving. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a decorative platter to showcase the colors and textures of the Spiced Lentil Rice.