Imagine a dish that transports you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with just one bite - a culinary journey that combines the earthy warmth of cumin, the creamy richness of tahini, and the bright zest of lemon. This Cumin Spiced Lentils and Rice with Everyday Lemon Tahini Dressing is not just a meal; it's an experience that promises to revolutionize your home cooking and tantalize your taste buds with its incredible depth of flavor and nutritious ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Water to thin dressing
Instructions
- Rinse lentils and rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Add rinsed lentils and rice to the pot, stirring to coat with the cumin-infused oil. Season with salt to taste.
- Pour in 4 cups of water, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- While lentils and rice are cooking, prepare the lemon tahini dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add water to the tahini mixture, whisking until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Check lentils and rice for doneness. They should be tender and have absorbed most of the water. If needed, let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fluff the lentils and rice with a fork, then transfer to serving plates.
- Drizzle generously with lemon tahini dressing just before serving. Garnish with additional cumin or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Always rinse your lentils and rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a fluffy, well-separated texture.
- Toasting cumin in olive oil before adding other ingredients releases its essential oils, dramatically enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even heat distribution and perfect moisture retention.
- Don't rush the cooking process - low and slow is the key to tender, perfectly cooked lentils and rice.
- The lemon tahini dressing is crucial - adjust the water gradually to achieve the perfect pourable consistency.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to fully absorb the seasonings.
- Feel free to customize with additional herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
