–  channa dal rice  –

This is one of my FAVORITE rice dishes ever!!

I truly believe that healthy food does not have to be boring and flavorless . . .

this one definitely proves my point! 🙂

 I was originally inspired by several different rice recipes . . .

adding a few touches of my own along the way.

This is such an easy recipe . . .

and it has so many of my favorite ingredients.

It is pure, simple, and has a wonderful mix of textures and flavors . . .

with – cashews . . . channa dal . . . jalapenos . . .

and an amazing mix of spices!!

Channa Dal Rice – Ingredient List . . .

2 cups cooked basmati rice

1/4 cup channa dal

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 cup chopped cashews

2 jalapeño peppers minced

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1/2 teaspoon salt

pinch of saffron

1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

2 dried, or 3 fresh curry leaves, or 4 frozen, chopped into small pieces

2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

lemon zest

The Toppings . . .

fresh green onions

lemon zest

fresh coconut

fresh cilantro

To start with measure out each of the ingredients . . .

and then mix the spices in a bowl and set aside.

Make the rice and allow to cool with the lid off.

Boil some water in a pan for the channa dal . . .

take the pan off the heat, add the channa dal, and soak the channa dal for approx 45 minutes . . .

then drain off the water.

On medium-high to high heat – saute the cashews and channa dal

in a little Olive Oil for about 4 to 5 minutes

add in the peppers for a couple minutes . . .

and then add in the spices for a couple minutes more . . .

( be sure to stir consistently while allowing time here and there to brown nicely )

Cool it down for a bit and then add the mixture to the cooked rice

along with the lemon juice and zest . . .

put into individual serving bowls . . .

and then top it off with some of your favorites toppings . . .

here are a few of mine . . .

crisp green onions . . . fresh coconut . . . tangy lemon zest. . .

and of course – one of my very favorites . . . cilantro!!

Now it is time to enjoy your rice – my very favorite part!

Be sure to make an extra batch for leftovers . . .

if you don’t – you will wish you had!! 🙂

 Hope you try this wonderful little rice dish!

xoxo – liz