Best Pakistani Rice With Lentils And Nut Sauce Recipes

MUJADARA (LENTILS AND RICE WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS)

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, combine the garlic, bay leaves, cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and about 20 twists of freshly ground black pepper. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, stir in the rice and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a controlled simmer, for 10 minutes.
• Stir in the lentils and let the mixture return to a simmer. Cover again, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice and lentils are tender, about 20 to 23 minutes.
• Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. When it's warm enough that a slice of onion sizzles on contact, add the remaining onions. Stir to combine.
• Stir only every 3 minutes or so at first, then more often once the onions at the edges of the pan start browning. If the onions are browning before they have softened, dial down the heat to give them more time. Cook until the onions are deeply caramelized and starting to crisp at the edges, about 20 to 30 minutes. In the meantime, line a large plate or cutting board with a couple paper towels.
• Using a slotted spoon or fish spatula, transfer the onions to the lined plate and spread them evenly across. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt over the onions. They'll crisp up as they cool.
• When the lentils and rice are done cooking, drain off any excess water (if there is any) and return the mixture to the pot, off the heat. Lay a kitchen towel across the top of the pot to absorb steam, then cover the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Remove the lid, discard the bay leaves, and smash the garlic cloves against the side of the pan with a fork. Add about 3/4ths of the green onions and cilantro, reserving the rest for garnish. Gently stir and fluff the rice with a fork. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
• Transfer the rice and lentil mixture to a large serving platter or bowl. Top with the caramelized onions and the remaining green onions and cilantro. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature, with yogurt and spicy sauce (optional) on the side.

PAKISTANI RICE WITH LENTILS AND NUT SAUCE

Steps:

• Rinse and cook lentils in plenty of water.
• Let reduce until there is about 4 cups of liquid leftover.
• Drain lentils, reserving liquid.
• Set liquid aside.
• In the meantime, in a skillet, lightly toast, one by one (just until you can smell them): poppy seeds, cashews and almonds.
• Put in blender.
• Add jalapeno pepper, garlic, and salt.
• Gradually add leftover lentil liquid (should be dark brown after reducing for at least an hour) and puree this mixture.
• Puree until smooth and pour into bowl.
• Add to this the green onions and cilantro.
• Next, sauté the onions in vegetable oil until golden.
• Add lentils and sauté for another 15 minutes.
• Cover over very low heat and let marinate.
• Cook basmati rice.
• Then, in a large pot, layer rice and lentil mixture.
• Let marinate and simmer over very low heat for about 1 hour (I usually put a dishtowel under lid to trap steam).
• Serve, topping with liquid mixture, and adding liquid mixture as you go.

PAKISTANI LENTIL CURRY

Steps:

• Soak brown and red lentils in ample cool water for 1 hour to overnight. Drain and rinse.
• Place drained lentils into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Pour in the water, then add garlic, salt, coriander, cayenne, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
• While the lentils cook, melt the clarified butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions, and cook, stirring often, until they turn golden brown. Stir in the cumin, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir the onions and milk into the lentils; cook for another 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro to serve.