Rice With Lentils And Dates Recipes

Steps:

• wash and drain rice.
• heat 2 T butter and fry the onion till golden; add the meat and sauté stirring and turning the pieces till browned all over. Cover with water, add salt and pepper, cinnamon and allspice and simmer for 1 hour; or till meat is tender and most of water absorbed.
• boil the lentils in water for about 20 minutes till done, adding salt when they begin to soften, drain.
• now boil the rice in a pan for 10 minutes till not quite tender and still a little underdone. Drain the rice.
• Melt 2 T butter in bottom of pan, then stir in 2 T of the saffron water and about a third of the rice.
• spread half the meat on top, then sprinkle on half the lentils, raisins, dates and almonds if using.
• Cover with a layer of rice and remaining meat, lentils, raisins and dates and finish with the rice that is left.
• Melt the remaining butter, stir in the remaining saffron water and pour all over. Cook covered on very low heat for 20-30 minutes.

Steps:

• In a large pot, sauté the diced red onion and minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the water, green lentils, and salt to the large pot. Bring to a boil.
• Cover with lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
• To make the caramelized onions, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over low heat and add the onion slices, stirring occasionally until completely soft, dark brown, and caramelized.
• NOTE: This will take about 30 minutes. The onions should become very dark and tacky when finished. Stir often to avoid burning.
• Add the rice, cumin, cinnamon, and bayleaf to the lentils. Stir.
• Cook covered for about 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
• Serve lentils and rice topped with the caramelized onions, chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and Greek yogurt if desired.
• Enjoy!