Egyptian rice is a flavorful rice with lentils and dukkah spice. The freshness of the herbs and nuts in dukkah spice brings an excellent taste to the rice. Egyptian rice with lentils is a healthy combo. The lentils are cooked in vegetable stock. Adding feta cheese is optional.
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Food for the thought
The biggest obstacle to your happiness – under valuing what you have and over valuing what others have.
-Unknown
Happiness is lighter than the feather, no one grasp it. Suffering is heavier than the earth, no one let it go. Happiness starts with you. Not with your relationships, not with job or money. Its only YOU.
Benefits of the ingredients (source)
French green lentils Lentils are an excellent source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They’re also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
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Steps for preparing Egyptian rice with lentils
- Soak the rice and lentils separately for 30 minutes.
- Cook the lentils in vegetable stock and drain them.
- Cook the rice and keep them aside.
- Add oil, cumin seeds, garlic, and onion to the pan and saute until brown.
- Add the dukkah spice, cooked rice, and lentils.
- Finally, add lemon juice and chopped herbs and mix well.
Variations
Rice 🌾 : I have used basmati rice. You can use Egyptian rice, short-grain Spanish rice, or brown rice.
Lentils 🫘: You can use French green lentils, which are referred to as Puy lentils. You can use green, yellow, or orange lentils. Even split green peas work. Whatever you are picking, make sure you don’t overcook the lentils. It has to hold its shape and keep its texture well.
Vegetable stock 🥗: You can store-bought or homemade vegetable stock. If not, use plain water.
Dukkah spice: I will not give you any variations in this. It’s Egyptian rice. You have to go with the spice to keep up its flavor.
Herbs🪴: I have used three combinations of herbs. You can use skip any one or two. You can add more than one herb if you like the flavor.
Onions: You can use fried onions instead of caramelizing the onions.
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- Sushi Bowl
- Vegan Jamaican curry bowl
- Pita bread bowl
FAQ on Egyptian Rice
What rice can I use?
You can use small-grain Egypt rice for the traditional version. I have used basmati rice.
Can I use different lentils?
Yes. You can use yellow lentils or black lentils.
Should I cook lentils in vegetable stock?
Necessarily not. If cooked in vegetable stock, it tastes good.
I forgot to soak my lentils. Can I cook?
Yes, you can cook even if you forget to soak the lentils. Soaking the lentils helps to cook faster or takes a lot of time.
What is Dukkah spice?
Dukkah spice is an Egyptian spice blend. It is a combination of a few spices and a nut.
Is it okay to prepare Egyptian rice without spice mix?
No. The taste and flavor come only through dukkah spice. So do not skip it.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, you may add some chopped vegetables.
What herbs can I use for rice?
It is usually mint, cilantro, and parsley. You can add any one of these or a combination.
Why add feta cheese?
It is totally optional. I added for kids to enjoy their meal.
What can I eat with the rice?
It is taken as such. If you love to add some side, go for some salads.
Can I use fried onions?
Yes, instead of frying the onions, you may add store-bought onions. Skip the onions and add only garlic.
Meal prep/ How to store Egyptian rice
Follow the recipe instructions from the recipe card. Allow it to cool. Pack it in the freezer bag or container. Microwave the rice; otherwise, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or for a day and heat it on a stovetop over medium heat.
Recipe card for Egyptian rice with lentils
Egyptian Rice
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup French lentils(puy lentils)
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1.5 cups vegetable stock
- 1.5 cups water
- 1.5 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 2 tbsp dukkah spice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- parsley, mint, & cilantro chopped
Instructions
Preparing rice and lentils
- Soak the rice and lentils in warm water for 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat the vegetable stock. Add the bay leaf, pepper, and salt. When it comes to a boil, add the soaked lentils and allow them to cook until soft.
- Drain them through a strainer and allow them to cool.
- In another stock pot, allow the water to boil and add the rice. Cook until soft.
- Drain them through a strainer and allow it to cool.
Preparing Egyptian rice
- In a pan, add olive oil. When its warm add cumin seeds.
- Add the chopped garlic, sliced onions and fry until light brwon.
- Add dukkah spice and fry on high heat for a minute.
- Transfer the cooked rice and lentils.
- Add lemon juice and chopped herbs. Adjust salt.