 We love this dish at Halloween because of the rich, vibrant orange of the roasted pumpkin nestled alongside the deep purple of the rice. (Black rice is purple when cooked!)
This recipe works just as well as a cold salad as it does when eaten warm, so leave it up to the weather and mood as to how you choose to enjoy it. Something to note about black rice: it's rather sticky in nature, so don't expect your usual rice salad consistency, where the grains are separate and dry. Black rice, with its glorious clumpy stickiness, is a different eating experience altogether, and it's what makes it so yummy.
0 Comments
 Lebanese style rice and lentils is one of those unassuming, simple meals that delivers a lot of comfort, flavour and sustenance.
My recipe was inspired by the real deal - the much loved Lebanese dish, Mujadara. There are variations of it found throughout the Middle East, but the fundamental elements are always basmati rice and lentils, cooked together with aromatic spices, and served with a generous layer of caramelised onions on top. Sometimes other toppings are added. Creamy sauces like Hummus, or Tahini sauce, go wonderfully. Pomegranate molasses can be drizzled over it, or fresh Pomegranate seeds. My version calls for fried pine nuts, fresh herbs and currants, but it's more a suggestion than a rule. It's the perfect simple meal on its own, or as a side with other dishes like shawarma chicken, falafel, roasted eggplant, salads and pita bread. Leftovers make excellent patties which are perfect for a veggie burger! (See in Pimp My Recipe for instructions).  Have you noticed over the last week that the mornings have become a little milder? That the 7am sprint to the shower isn't as chilly or savage? Spring is almost in reach!
As the weather starts to warm up we often feel like a lighter breakfast that still delivers the same warmth and comfort as a bowl of oats. Enter Rolled Rice Flakes. Quick to prepare, nutritious, gluten free and soothingly delicious, they're the perfect breakfast in a bowl, hot or cold - and we're going to walk you through both!  The idea for this dahl came to me on a sticky, 38°c summer day. The kids had requested dahl for dinner and the thought of a bowl of hot food didn't fill me with joy. I thought of ways I could rejig the ingredients and flavour profile of a traditional dahl to better suit both the weather as well us Sydneysiders' love of zesty flavours; casual meals that are simple, fresh and nourishing to boot.
The result is a dish that ticks many important boxes: it's family friendly, costs only a few cents per serve, is simple and quick to prepare, and adaptable for different palates and weather. In the warmer months, serve this dish at room temp and garnish with coconut, mango, yoghurt and all things summer. In winter, add an extra cup or 2 of stock, serve hot and top with chutney for a soupy hug in a bowl. We hope you enjoy our adaptation of a family favourite! |
Categories
All
Archives
November 2023
|
RSS Feed