Rice with Lentils: Tradition and Flavor in Every Bite
Would you like to prepare Cuban-style rice with lentils, with the authentic taste of homemade cuisine? This recipe is a classic of the Creole table, ideal for a nutritious, economical, and very tasty meal. Perfect for sharing with family or surprising your friends.
🥘 Required Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 pound long-grain rice
- 1 large onion
- 1 ¾ green bell pepper
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 slices of bacon
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups water
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Cook the lentils
Rinse them well under running water and place them in a pot with the 4 cups of water. Add one whole green bell pepper to intensify the flavor and color of the broth. Cook over low heat with the pot covered for 15 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Separate the lentils from the cooking liquid and reserve both.
2. Chop the vegetables and fry the bacon
Finely chop the onion, the remaining bell pepper, and the garlic cloves. Then cut the bacon into small pieces and fry it in a wide pot with part of the oil. Remove half of the fried bacon along with some of its fat and set aside.
3. Prepare the sofrito
In the same pot, add the remaining oil and sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until everything is nicely browned and there is no excess liquid.
4. Add the spices
Add the cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and a bit of salt to taste. Stir well to blend the flavors with the sofrito.
5. Add the lentils and broth
Pour in two cups of the lentil cooking liquid. Add the lentils and adjust the salt. Increase the heat until it comes to a boil.
6. Add the rice
Wash the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Once the broth is boiling, add it to the pot and gently mix with the other ingredients. Cook over high heat for a few minutes until the liquid evaporates.
7. Final cooking
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook until the rice is tender and fluffy. Optionally, you can finish cooking in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and bake for 5 more minutes.
8. Serve
Remove from the oven, add the reserved bacon with its fat, and mix carefully. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
ℹ️ Additional Information
- Yield: 8 servings
- Total Time: 50 minutes + resting
- Category: Rice
- Cuisine: Cuban
✅ Useful Tips for the Best Result
- Wash the rice several times for a looser texture.
- Do not stir the rice excessively once added.
- Using the oven improves cooking and texture.
- Bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
📌 Suggested Tags
rice with lentils, Cuban recipes, Creole food, homemade dishes, traditional cuisine, Cuban lentils
📣 Ready to try it?
Leave your opinion in the comments, share this recipe with those who love good food, and don’t forget to follow the blog to discover more authentic flavors of Cuba. Enjoy!
For the Spanish version, visit: Arroz con Lentejas: El Verdadero Sabor Cubano.
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