Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 4 cups of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed: None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils and set them aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, and turmeric to the pot and stir until the spices are fragrant.
5. Add the lentils and water to the pot and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish.
10 minutes of preparation time, 40 minutes of cooking time
Temperature: Medium heat for sautéing, low heat for simmering
Serving size: 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of lentils for this recipe.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
- You can use any type of oil for sautéing.
Variations:
- You can add diced tomatoes to the pot for a more flavorful dish.
- You can add diced carrots and celery for added nutrition.
- You can add cooked chicken or beef for a heartier meal.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the lentils before cooking to remove any debris.
- You can soak the lentils overnight for quicker cooking time.
- Add more water if the lentils become too dry during cooking.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bowl with a lemon wedge and fresh parsley for garnish.
Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley
Pairings:
- Serve with pita bread or naan for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad or roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lentils become too dry during cooking, add more water as needed.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the lentils thoroughly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Kalao is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with lentils and spices.
Flavor profiles:
- Earthy and savory with a hint of spice.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with other Middle Eastern dishes.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A