Red Lentils with Fancy Rice

Red Lentils with Fancy Rice

Adapted from: https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-wild-rice-bowl-with-red-lentil-curry-and-spinach-223095



Note: the original recipe, which I've doubled here, calls for wild rice. That was too expensive at the store, so I used red rice. Cool to have a neat color, and the more hearty texture is perfect. I also subbed out the spinach for chard. Finally, I did one thing of coconut milk (light) for the whole thing. The yogurt is pretty great dolloped on here, go for plenty of that. I think the red curry paste and tomato paste really add to the depth of flavor in this dish. Feel free to go harder on the spices, I did.

2 cups wild rice
4 tablespoons ghee (or butter, or coconut oil)
2 medium yellow onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced ginger (or more)
2 cups red lentils
2 tablespoons red curry paste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons curry powder
2 teaspoons coriander
2 teaspoons turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
7 cups vegetable broth
2 bundles chard (could probably just do one. Original calls for 4 cups [post-doubling] spinach)
1 (15.5-ounce) can coconut milk
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup cilantro leaves (lightly packed), to garnish


INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the wild rice according to the package instructions, or follow these simple steps. Most wild rice takes about 45 minutes to become tender; you can also make it a few days ahead so it's ready when you need it.

While the rice is cooking, heat the ghee in a large saucepan with tall sides over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until lightly golden and soft. Add in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the red lentils, red curry paste, tomato paste, and spices, and cook until fragrant. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.

Once the lentils and broth reach a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft. Before serving, fold in the fresh spinach leaves, and pour in the coconut milk. At this point, taste the curry and adjust the seasoning according to your liking; add more salt or cayenne, if needed.


To serve, divide the wild rice equally into 4 bowls. Top each bowl with the curry, a dollop of yogurt, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.