Red Lentils with Steamed Basmati Rice

Why Red Lentils Are So Good For You & Your Family?

 

Due to their high protein content, red lentils provide nutrients that improve health, assist with weight loss and weight maintenance. Their high fibre content slows the effects of carbohydrates as they enter the bloodstream which helps with efficient energy utilisation.

Red lentils are also high in macro-nutrients and have a low GI (Glycemic Index) level that improve blood sugar balance while keeping the body’s flow of energy steady which aids in reducing craving and binge eating that contribute to weight gain.

Though when it comes down to it, you can keep all the healthy information to yourself – the kids of the family aren’t going to care either way!

You can just enjoy and revel in the fact that they’re going to think you’re the best parent ever for feeding them lal dal and who doesn’t need some more karma points anyway.

So, without much further ado, here is the recipe for tonight’s dinner plans.

Red Lentils with Steamed Basmati Rice

 

Ingredients:                                                                       Quantity:

Lentils

Uncooked Nim-Véda Australia Red Lentils         1 cup

Fresh Water                                                                  4 cups

Fresh Ginger Chopped                                             ½ Inch

or Australia Ginger Powder                                    1 Teaspoon

Nim-Véda

Australia Turmeric powder                                    ¼ Teaspoon

Nim-Véda

Salt To Taste

Tadka (Masala) For Lentils

Onion Finely Chopped                                            1 medium

Tomato Finely Chopped                                         1 medium

Garlic Finely Chopped                                             4 cloves

Australia cumin seeds                                          1 Teaspoon

Nim-Véda

Australia Ground Fenugreek Seed Powder     ¼Teaspoon

Nim-Véda

Australia Ground Coriander Powder              1 Teaspoon

Nim-Véda

Fresh Curry Leaves                                               5-6 Leaves

Sweet Paprika Powder                                          1 Teaspoon

Fresh Chilli To Taste                                             (Optional)

Garam Masala                                                       ½ Teaspoon

Australia Olive Oil                                              2 Tablespoons

Nim-Véda

Finely Chopped Coriander To Serve

Steamed Basmati Rice

Basmati rice                                                             1 cup

Water                                                                        2 ½ cups

Method

1. Wash and drain the red lentils.
2. On high heat in a medium sized cooking pot; place the lentils and the water in, add the turmeric powder, salt and ginger and bring to the boil.
3. Cover with a lid and allow the lentils to simmer on low, making sure to stir periodically so as to avoid the lentils sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Cook until the water and the lentils are mixed together, and are not separated.
5. On medium to high heat, in a separate pan add the oil, then add the onion and garlic and cook until just tender and brown.
6. Add the curry leaves and the tomatoes and cook until the oil separates and the tomatoes are soft.
7. Add the cumin seeds, Fenugreek powder, coriander powder, sweet paprika and chilli and cook for 2 minutes, whilst stirring.
8. Add the mixture to the lentils and stir until combined.
9. In the meanwhile, in a medium sized cooking pot, wash and drain the rice, add the water and cook until the water boils.
10. Remove from heat, place a lid on top and leave it to sit for 15 minutes or until cooked.

To serve, add the Garam Masala and fresh coriander to the lentils and stir well.

Serve hot with Basmati rice.

Enjoy…..

 

 

 

This recipe and many other exciting dishes from around the world can be found in the cook book “Recipes That Make You Go Mmm…” If you’d like to pick up your copy – Please Click Here

The front cover of Recipes That Make You Go Mmm… Has been designed by Marnie Higgs – “The Female Cornucopia” (www.marniehiggs.com)