Middle Eastern Barley Lentil Rice Casserole Recipes

Steps:

• In a 3-quart saucepan, cook onion in oil till crisp-tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add broth, rice, lentils, potato, carrot, raisins, and seasonings.
• Cook until rice and lentils are almost tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Stir in the bell pepper and peas.
• Cover and cook about 5-10 minutes more, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice and lentils are tender.
• Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
• I sometimes use this rice to make stuffed peppers.
• I put rice in peppers and pour canned spaghetti sauce (I usually add about 1/8 cup water to this) over, cover and bake about 45 to 60 minutes.
• I also use leftover rice to make veggie burgers.
• Enjoy!
• For Vegetarian/Vegan do not use chicken broth.

Steps:

• Place lentils in a bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 4 hours.
• Drain lentils and put in a large pot with 5 cups water and bouillon cube; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Add rice and simmer until rice and lentils are tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper; saute until onion is golden brown and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add ground beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, 7 to 9 minutes. Add paprika and cook for 1 more minute.
• Add meat mixture to lentils and rice. Simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.

Steps:

• Use a big pot and cook onion in margarine until soft.
• In a bowl, stir together bouillon and hot water.
• Add lentils, rice, bouillon-water mixture and cold water.
• Bring to a boil.
• Lower heat, cover and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, fry both sides of a slice of bread in oil and sprinkle with Italian Seasoning blend.
• Cool on rack.
• After 25 minutes, rice should be cooked and lentils should be cooked but still firm (not mushy) and there should still be some moisture in the mixture.
• Turn stove off and stir 1 cup of the cheese into the mixture until cheese is melted.
• Pour mixture into a 9 by 13 pan that has been sprayed with Pam and smooth the top with the back of your spoon.
• Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over top.
• Crunch up the cooled fried bread with a knife and sprinkle over casserole.
• Sprinkle parmesan over casserole.
• Bake in preheated 350 oven for 15 minutes or so until cheese is melted.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Dice 1 1/2 of the potatoes and slice the remaining half thinly (1/8" or so).
• Toss the diced potato with a small amount of olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in your casserole dish for 10 minutes.
• Add broccoli and toss to evenly distribute. Roast an additional 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile combine Puree ingredients in food processor or blender and process until smooth.
• When the potatoes and broccoli are finished roasting (15 min.) sprinkle the tomatoes evenly around the casserole dish. Add additional seasoning at this point if you choose. (salt,pepper).
• Pour puree over the vegetables and spread with spoon or spatula to evenly distribute.
• Lay the potato slices on top of the dish until it is evenly covered. Drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and add a little final salt and pepper.
• Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.