lentils and rice

I have a recipe that is basically lentils, rice and onions. When I try to make it, I find I either over cook the lentils so the rice will get tender so it comes out mushy (I'm still working on my timing). The other problem is that it ends up dry, because both the lentils and rice keep absorbing the water after I take it off the heat.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to cook lentils and rice together without it becoming mushy or too dry?

Thanks.
Laurie

lsgerman
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1 Comment

mensaque
mensaque May 31, 2013
Sounds like you're trying to make Mijada...an Arab dish made out of lentils,rice and fried onions,but if you cook them together it will never work!You should boil your lentils for about 30 to 45 mins.till they're almost done.Strain them and mix in with the rice already cooked in a different pot.I like to sauté the rice with garlik and olive oil before I add the water(2 cups of water for every cup of rice.)In 20 min.your rice will be perfect.When you mix lentils and rice,add more salt and black pepper if needed.Than you get lots,and I mean lots of onions and slice them as thin as you can,sauté them in olive oil till brown and crispy and pour it on top of the mix.My great-grandfather was from Syria,we have it all the time and we love it.Hope it helps and don't stress about it!
 
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