YELLOW LENTIL BASMATI RICE FOR A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!

Leia em PORTUGUÊS
This is a scheduled post :o)

This is going to be the last scheduled post during my absence from my blog due to my trip to Brazil. I'll be back very soon! I would like to let you know that all my readers and blogging friends will have a special place in my heart at the countdown for the New Year :o)

Because it is very traditional in Brazil to eat lentil rice as the first meal of the year for prosperity, here is a recipe of yellow (golden) lentil rice!

I WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD HEALTH, PEACE, LOVE, HARMONY, AND LOTS OF PROSPERITY!! 

This recipe tastes like India, it is spicy, but not very hot and looks delicious. In Brazil the most common lentils are the brown ones and they are often used to make lentil rice for the New Year festivities because it s believed that it brings prosperity. They are equally delicious and can also be used in this recipe, adapting the cooking times and proportions (I have not tried them yet). I chose the yellow lentils because I've been wanting to try them for a while now, and also to brighten up the "golden shine" for a prosperous New Year!

First, I would like to present the two main ingredients for this recipe.

Basmati rice, which have longer grains than other types of rice and it is also more fragrant and has a characteristic flavor...

...and the yellow lentils. They are both widely grown and used in India.

And now, the recipe which is very easy and quick!

YELLOW LENTIL BASMATI RICE

(recipe adapted from HERE)

For the Rice:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3/4 cup Basmati rice, washed and well drained

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 cups hot water

1 tbsp miso paste

In a sauce pan, heat the olive oil and saute the onion until it is soft but not brown.

Add the rice and the bay leaf and stir until the rice is opaque.

Dissolve the miso paste in the hot water and add it to the rice.

Simmer over low heat, partially covered with the lid for about 15 minutes until all the water has been absorbed. Watch closely as it may easily burn the bottom. Set aside.

For the lentils:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

1 tsp powdered cumin

1/2 tsp powdered coriander

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

3/4 cup yellow lentils

1 1/2 cups hot water

1 tbsp miso paste

In another sauce pan, heat the olive oil and saute the ginger, cumin, coriander and pepper for a minute.

Add lentils and stir well.

Dissolve the miso paste in the hot water and add it to the lentils.

Simmer over low heat, partially covered with the lid for about 15 minutes until the water is all gone. Remove from heat and set aside.

Final preparation:

At the time of serving, combine rice and lentils. Use a large bowl to make it easier to stir without damaging the ingredients.

Sprinkle some finely sliced green onions and serve immediately.