Name: Recipe for Fragrant Basmati Rice with Lentils
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 (3 oz.) servings
Ingredients: 1 olive oil; 1/2 lentils; 1/2 carrots, diced; 1/2 granulated garlic; 1 chili powder; 3/4 Spanish paprika; 3/4 fresh thyme; 1 kosher salt; 2 basmati rice; 1/2 onion, diced; 1/2 celery, diced; 1 1/2 turmeric; 1/2 cumin; 1 bay leaf; 2 3/4 water

a pile of cooked rice, mixed with diced carrots, onions, celery and lentils

Appetizers and Sides

A Gluten-Free Combination of Basmati and Lentils

The addition of legumes to rice cranks up the proteins and complex carbohydrates, and what a simple and tasteful way to stay healthy. Basmati rice gets its name from the Indian word for “fragrant”, and the flowery, woody smell is unlike any other rice. The gluten-free combination of basmati and lentils in this recipe is enhanced by the subtle heat of chili and paprika and is an exotic addition to any meal. By the way, basmati no longer has to travel from the foothills of the Himalayas; American rice called “texmati” is every bit as fragrant.

Fragrant Basmati Rice with Lentils

Recipe courtesy of

Chef Edwin Cabrera

Prep Instructions

Yield: 12 (3 oz.) servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup lentils
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon Spanish paprika
3/4 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups basmati rice
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 bay leaf
2 3/4 cups water

On medium high, place the olive oil in medium heavy-based pot or Dutch oven with a lid and add the rice to coat with oil. When the rice gets warm enough add the spices and fold in the vegetables. Turn heat to high and add the water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook rice for 20 minutes, fluff the rice or fold it a couple of times to avoid sticking, cover and let it cook completely. Approximately 5-10 more minutes.