Middle Eastern > Qartas

Qarta with Lentils and Rice Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of brown lentils
- 1 cup of long-grain rice
- 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot with a lid
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and rice separately under cold water and set them aside.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent.

3. Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and allspice to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the lentils and rice to the pot and stir to coat them with the spices.

5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils and rice are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

7. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the mixture with a wooden spoon.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing
- Low heat for simmering
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 375
- Total fat: 7g
- Total carbohydrates: 64g
- Dietary fiber: 15g
- Protein: 16g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown lentils can be substituted with green or black lentils.
- Long-grain rice can be substituted with basmati rice.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken or beef broth.

Variations:
- Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.
- Top the Qarta with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Tips and Tricks:
- Rinse the lentils and rice separately to prevent the lentils from breaking down during cooking.
- Fluff the mixture with a wooden spoon to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.

Storage Instructions:
- Store the Qarta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the Qarta in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the Qarta in a bowl or on a plate.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve the Qarta with a side of pita bread or naan.

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Hummus
- Baba ganoush
- Tabbouleh salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the Qarta is too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or water and stir well.

Food Safety Advice:
- Store the Qarta in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

Food History:
- Qarta is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is commonly served in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

Flavor Profiles:
- The Qarta has a warm and earthy flavor profile with hints of smokiness and sweetness from the spices.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Qarta as a main dish or as a side dish to a larger meal.

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Taste: Savory, Spicy, Nutty, Tangy, Earthy