Lentils and Rice

Life has been busy (still is busy). I have been cooking, but having a hard time finding the time to post the recipes on the blog. I also only want to post recipes that are worth posting. I headed to Trader Joe's last week and picked up a package of precooked lentils. I like to keep them around to use on nights where I don't have much time to make dinner. There is a restaurant in Indianapolis called Aesop's Tables that inspired tonight's dinner. They had a special a year ago of braised lentils over rice and salad. From what I remember, it was really good. I wanted to "recreate" this recipe.

Rice

Boil 2 1/2 cups brown rice

Add 1 1/2 cups brown rice

Simmer rice for 35-40 minutes

Spice Mixture

2 tablespoons curry powder

1 tablespoon ginger

1 teaspoon garlic powder 

2 teaspoon smoke paprika 

Lentils

Put 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet

Add 3 minced cloves of garlic-cook for 2 minutes

Add spice mixture and cook for about 1 minute-add a little water to deglaze the pan

Add 1 diced green pepper-cook for 3 minutes

Add the package of lentils

Have heat on medium to low

Add 2 diced tomatoes

Cook for about 10 minutes

Homemade Pita Chips

2 pita pockets (whole wheat)

Cut into small triangles

Spray with olive oil spray

Sprinkle with garlic powder

Mix

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes, or until they are crispy 

Assembly

Put rice on a plate

Add lentil mixture over rice

Serve with a salad

John enjoyed this dinner. He was surprised I was making dinner on Sunday night. We have gotten into the habit of ordering in or finding groupons for dinner. This meal was easy to make a very filling. I love homemade pita chips because they are way less expensive than store bought and they are crispy, yet soft in places. 

Happy Cooking!