Swaadista

Did you know that combining lentils and rice creates a complete protein? I learned this a few years ago, and I was so glad to find out! This explains why Indian dishes like rice and sambar, pongal, bisi bele bath, and khichdi—combinations of rice and lentils—are everyday staples.

Having enjoyed rice and sambar (made with lentils) my whole life, I was relieved to learn that Indian food is thoughtfully curated and quite healthy. However, like most things, moderation is key!

This rasam-rice recipe combines rice and lentils in a one-pot dish. It is made with brown rice, toor dal, and a blend of spices, making it both wholesome and comforting. When served with a vegetable stir-fry, such as beetroot stir-fry or beetroot palya, this dish becomes an ideal weeknight meal!

I hope you try this and enjoy it as much as my family does!

Ingredients:

1 cup brown rice, washed
1 cup toor dal, washed 
5 cups of water 
2 tbsp peanut oil 
1/4 tsp mustard seeds 
2 dried red chilies, split 
a few curry leaves 
a pinch of hing 
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 large tomato, chopped 
Salt to taste 
A handful of chopped coriander leaves

For masala:

1 tsp black peppercorns 
1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds 
2 green chilies
2 garlic cloves 
a small marble-sized tamarind pulp

Method:

1. Crush black peppercorns, cumin seeds, green chilies, garlic cloves and tamarind in a mortar pestle and make a coarse powder.
2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker on medium heat. Add mustard seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, hing, masala powder and saute for a minute on low heat. 
3. Add turmeric powder, chopped tomatoes, and salt. Cover and cook until tomatoes soft. 
4. Add brown rice, toor dal, and water and bring it a boil. 
5. Pressure cook until 5 whistles or until rice and dal done. Allow pressure to release naturally. 
6. Add water to adjust consistency if necessary and cook for a couple of minutes. 
7. Garnish with coriander leaves. 
8. Serve warm with a generous amount of ghee on top, with potato chips on the side, and/or a vegetable side dish of choice. Enjoy!

Watch this recipe on YouTube:

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If you tried this recipe, let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment below or tagging a picture of your preparation on Instagram @swaadista

Happy cooking, happy eating!