Microwave Spanish Rice and Lentil Pilaf

Submitted by Anemone

"Great side dish that doesn't heat up the kitchen. I start this before I get the rest of supper ready, and often have a few minutes to rest before I call the kids in."

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 (540 g) can lentils
• 1⁄2 cup brown rice
• 1 (540 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups stock
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup cheese (any kind)

directions

1. Combine (drained) lentils, rice, tomatoes, stock, basil, cinnamon and sugar in microwave-safe casserole dish.
2. Cover and microwave on HIGH (100%) 8-10 minutes. Continue cooking on MED (50%) 40-45 minutes until rice is tender and fluffy.
3. Let stand covered for 5 minutes, sprinkle with your choice of cheese.

Reviews

[Chef Johnny Ringo]

I love this rice! The cinnamon adds a really interesting flavor and a natural sweetness. I didn't add any sugar and my daughter still thought it was a bit too sweet. I used black beans, just because I love them with rice and it was absolutely delicious. I'll definitely be cooking this regularly! Thanks for the fantastic post.

 

[anme7039]

Im not sure what I did wrong, I REALLY wanted this to work. After the 20 min on MED all my rice was burnt to a crisp! I wonder if my wattage is off, but my microwave is really old and not too strong so I dont know. I drained my beans maybe that was it? Oh well!

 

[echo echo]

I couldn't find canned lentils, so I made this with canned black beans I had on hand. It was wonderful. My sister and I ate together and she went back for seconds AND thirds! It is a bit sweet, which was fine with me, but if cooking for somebody who prefers less sweet, I would forego the Tbs of sugar. It was also a bit on the soupy side, but that may have been because I didn't drain the beans (I wasn't sure from the directions whether I should or not). All in all, an excellent addition to my cooking repertoire.