Crispy Indian Lentils with Rice
Transform simple ingredients into a delicious and crispy Indian lentils with rice dish, perfect for any meal!
Today, we're diving into one of my absolute favorite recipes: crispy Indian lentils with rice. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly nutritious and budget-friendly. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is straightforward and delivers amazing results every time.
Overview: What Makes Crispy Indian Lentils with Rice So Special?
Crispy Indian lentils with rice is a dish that marries the earthiness of lentils with the delicate flavor of jasmine rice, all brought together with a punch of Indian spices and aromatics. The lentils are cooked until al dente, then broiled to a crispy perfection, and paired with soft, chewy rice. Top it off with a tangy yogurt sauce, and you've got a dish that's as comforting as it is exciting.
- Key Ingredients: Brown or green lentils, jasmine rice, shallots, garlic, ginger, serrano pepper, black mustard seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, coconut yogurt.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes.
- Serving Size: Serves 4.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe is easy to customize with different lentils or rice varieties.
- It’s budget-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a family.
- The crispy texture of the lentils adds a unique twist to traditional Indian dishes.
Health Benefits of Each Ingredient
Each ingredient in this crispy Indian lentils with rice recipe offers its own unique health benefits, making this dish not just delicious but also nourishing.
- Lentils: Rich in protein, fiber, and iron, lentils help keep you full and energized.
- Jasmine Rice: A great source of carbohydrates, jasmine rice provides the energy needed for your day.
- Shallots, Garlic, and Ginger: These aromatics boost your immune system and add anti-inflammatory properties.
- Serrano Pepper: Packed with vitamin C, serrano peppers also add a metabolism-boosting heat.
- Coconut Yogurt: Offers probiotics for a healthy gut and adds a creamy texture without dairy.
Health Benefits of the Whole Recipe
This recipe is a powerhouse of nutrients. The combination of lentils and rice provides a complete protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The spices not only enhance the flavor but also provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, it's a low-fat dish, making it heart-healthy and perfect for those watching their calorie intake.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and nutrition. The crispy lentils add an unexpected twist to the soft rice, and the tangy yogurt sauce ties everything together beautifully. It's also incredibly versatile—you can switch up the lentils, rice, or spices based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a dish that fits any budget and is easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
Recipe: Crispy Indian Lentils with Rice
Ready to make this delicious dish? Here’s what you’ll need and how to do it.
Ingredients
| Sl. No. | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown or Green Lentils | 3/4 cup (150 grams) |
| 2 | Jasmine Rice | 1 cup |
| 3 | Medium Shallot | 1 (sliced) |
| 4 | Garlic Cloves | 4 (sliced) |
| 5 | Fresh Ginger | 1-inch piece (sliced into matchsticks) |
| 6 | Serrano Pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| 7 | Black Mustard Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| 8 | Coriander Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| 9 | Cumin Seeds | 1/2 tsp |
| 10 | Turmeric | 1/2 tsp |
| 11 | Coconut Yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| 12 | Ground Cumin | 1/4 tsp |
| 13 | Sugar | 1/4 tsp |
| 14 | Black Pepper | To taste |
| 15 | Salt | To taste |
| 16 | Fresh Cilantro | Handful (chopped) |
| 17 | Lemon Juice | To taste |
Required Equipment and Its Uses
| Equipment | Use |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot | Cooking the jasmine rice efficiently. |
| Medium Frying Pan | Infusing the oil with aromatics and spices. |
| Mortar and Pestle (or Spice Grinder) | Crushing the spices for more flavor. |
| Broiler or Oven | Crisping the lentils to perfection. |
| Colander | Draining the lentils after cooking. |
| Paper Towels | Drying the aromatics after frying. |
| Drizzle Bottle (Optional) | For a fun and decorative way to drizzle yogurt sauce. |
Step-by-Step Method
Start by cooking the lentils in boiling water until they are al dente, about 10-12 minutes for brown or green lentils, and 17-20 minutes for French green lentils. Once done, drain and set them aside in a colander to dry.
While the lentils are cooking, cook your jasmine rice using an Instant Pot or any other method you prefer. Ensure the rice is fluffy and fully cooked. Set it aside once done.
In the meantime, slice the shallot, garlic, and ginger into thin slices. If you’re sensitive to heat, consider using only half of the serrano pepper. Slice the pepper thinly as well. Roughly crush the black mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
Heat a medium frying pan over medium heat and add a neutral oil like avocado oil. Add the sliced shallots to the pan and cook until they start to turn golden brown around the edges. Next, add the sliced garlic, ginger, serrano pepper, and the crushed spices, along with turmeric. Stir everything together and let the aromatics infuse the oil for a few minutes.
Once the aromatics have infused the oil, strain them using a fine sieve. Separate the oil into a bowl and spread the strained aromatics onto a paper towel to dry. Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on the aromatics to enhance their flavor.
Preheat your broiler. Toss the cooked lentils in the infused oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Spread the lentils onto a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer. Broil the lentils on high for about 4 minutes, then toss and broil for another 2-4 minutes until they are crispy but not burnt. If you don't have a broiler, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through.
While the lentils are crisping, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine coconut yogurt, ground cumin, a tiny pinch of sugar, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well until everything is combined. Set aside.
Once the lentils are crispy, remove them from the oven and toss them with the crispy aromatics, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve the crispy lentils over a bed of jasmine rice, and drizzle with the yogurt sauce. For a fun presentation, you can use a drizzle bottle for the yogurt sauce.
Important Notes
- If you don’t have a broiler, roasting the lentils in the oven works just as well.
- Be sure not to overcook the lentils; they should have a slight bite to them before broiling.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of serrano pepper based on your heat tolerance.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lentils will lose some of their crispiness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- Freezing: While rice can be frozen, the crispy lentils are best enjoyed fresh. If you must freeze, store the rice and lentils separately in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat the rice in the microwave. To re-crisp the lentils, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Potassium | 450mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Conclusion
This crispy Indian lentils with rice recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It's a dish that is not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients and flavors that will make it a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use green lentils or French green lentils. Just be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary slightly.
If you don’t have a broiler, you can roast the lentils in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through.
If you don’t have coconut yogurt, any plain vegan yogurt will work. Just make sure it's unsweetened and plain-flavored.
Yes, you can prepare the lentils and rice ahead of time. Store them separately and re-crisp the lentils in the oven before serving.
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients for the yogurt sauce. Ensure that the yogurt you choose does not contain any gluten-containing additives.
If you don’t have Jasmine rice, you can use any type of white rice like Basmati, or even brown rice for a more nutty flavor. Just adjust the cooking time according to the rice variety.
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the serrano pepper. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of serrano pepper or use a milder chili, like a jalapeño, or omit it entirely.
Absolutely! You can add sautéed or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to increase the nutrient content and add more variety to the dish.
To make the lentils extra crispy, ensure they are thoroughly dried before broiling, and spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper airflow around the lentils.
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Cook the lentils and rice ahead of time and store them in separate containers. Re-crisp the lentils in the oven before serving for the best texture.