Looking for a hearty, healthy, and budget-friendly meal that's also packed with flavor? Look no further than this vibrant lentil and freekeh recipe! This delicious vegan dish combines the earthy goodness of lentils with the nutty, slightly smoky flavor of freekeh, an ancient grain offering a unique texture and nutritional boost. It's a perfect weeknight dinner, satisfying enough for a chilly evening yet light enough to avoid feeling weighed down. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it ideal for busy individuals or families.
Beyond its simplicity, this lentil and freekeh dish is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different spices to suit your taste, or add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition and color. Ready to create this flavorful and satisfying meal? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step process outlined below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Green lentils
- Freekeh
- Onion: thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Water: 5 cups (approx.)
- Rice (optional): 1/2 - 1 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Start Lentils
- Clean and wash the freekeh, removing any debris. Wash and drain the lentils.
- While the onions fry, add the lentils to a pot with water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Cook the lentils for 15-20 minutes (depending on the type of lentils), covered.
Step 2. Sauté Onions and Combine with Lentils
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and deep-fry the thinly sliced onions until brownish. This will take some time.
- Once the onions are ready (around 15 minutes), add most of them to the pot of lentils (reserve some for garnish). The lentils should have absorbed most of the liquid by now (about 90% done).
- Add salt, cumin, paprika, and olive oil to the lentils. Add an additional cup of water.
Step 3. Add Freekeh and Simmer
- Add the freekeh (or rice) to the pot. If using rice, approximately 1/2 to 1 cup of rice can replace the freekeh.
- Cook until the lentils and freekeh/rice are done, It's okay to have a little liquid left.
Step 4. Garnish and Finalize
- Add the reserved fried onions for garnish. Mix gently, adjust spices as needed, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Read more: Red Lentil Soup with Lemon Mint Yogurt: A Food Wishes Recipe
Tips
- You can use rice instead of freekeh if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of water to your preference, allowing for some liquid to remain in the finished dish.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 600-700
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbs: 90-110g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute other grains for freekeh?
Yes! Brown rice, quinoa, or even farro would work well as substitutes. The cooking time may need slight adjustment.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced chili pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to increase the spice level.
This lentil and freekeh recipe is a testament to how delicious and satisfying budget-friendly meals can be. Enjoy this flavorful, nutritious, and surprisingly easy-to-make dish as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a healthy addition to your meal prep routine. Bon appétit!