| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 8g | 1.1g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 13g | 18g | 1.7g |
Mahleb-spiced Lentils and Rice is not just a delicious dish, but a beautiful amalgamation of two worlds I cherish. With its roots embedded in Middle Eastern cuisine, it allows me to introduce the heat and depth of West African spices my Nigerian parents passed down to me, all while sitting perfectly within the comfort of Southern cooking. This fusion of flavors makes it a heartwarming winner in my Afro-Southern cookbook.
A Diverse Fusion of Flavors
This recipe resembles a traditional Mujadara, a Middle-Eastern dish that combines rice, lentils and onions. But the addition of fruit gives an unusual spin to it, adding a sweet contrast to the savory lentils, hinting at the traditional Nigerian Rice and Fruit Salad.
Mahleb-spiced Lentils and Rice is delightful on its own, but it gets even better when accompanied with a refreshing tabouleh or a warm pita bread. It also pairs well with my special Jamaican Jerk Chicken, creating an Afro-Southern feast that never disappoints.
A Nourishing Symphony
Using rich, wholesome ingredients is one of the hallmarks of my cooking, and it holds true in this dish. Lentils, for instance, are a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins like B6, they’re essential for a healthy diet. The white rice provides carbohydrates, necessary for energy. Plus, the dish is generously laced with fresh citrus and mixed fruit, saturating each bite with beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. Let’s not forget about olive oil‘s essential fatty acids that promote a healthy heart and glowing skin.
But the star of this dish, the aromatic mahleb spice, not only imparts a distinctive flavor but also possesses potential health benefits. Derived from the kernels of sour cherries, it’s been associated with improved sleep and muscle recovery. Just the perfect ingredient to blend into a recipe that celebrates my heritage and my love for cooking.
No recipe has better embodied my expression of Afro-Southern fusion like the Mahleb-spiced Lentils and Rice. Its harmony of cultures, diversity of flavors, and wealth of nutrition make it a staple in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and find out for yourself why this dish remains so close to my heart.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of dried lentils
- 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons of mahleb spice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1.5 cups of chopped fresh mixed fruit (such as apple, pear, and orange)
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
Method
Step One
Begin by rinsing your lentils under cold water. Once cleaned, add them to a large saucepan along with 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer until lentils are tender. This should take around 20 minutes.
Step Two
While your lentils are cooking, heat up 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, cook until the onion becomes translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
After your onions are cooked, add the uncooked rice into the skillet. Stir it around until every grain is coated with olive oil and starts to turn a golden brown. Then add the mahleb spice, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients in for a couple of minutes to infuse the flavor.
Step Four
By now, your lentils should be cooked. Drain any excess broth, then add the spiced rice and onion mixture to the lentils, stirring everything together so it’s well combined. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mix cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the flavors.
Step Five
While your lentils and rice are cooking, prepare your fresh ingredients. Chop your fresh mixed fruit and parsley, zest and juice your lemon. Set these aside for later.
Step Six
Once your lentils and rice are cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Layer the top of the mix with the chopped fresh fruit, parsley, lemon zest, and juice. Stir these ingredients into the mix gently so they are evenly dispersed. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow all those fresh flavors to infuse. Your Mahleb-spiced Lentils and Rice are now ready to serve!
