Riz bil Moussaka

Riz bil Moussaka is a flavorful Lebanese rice dish layered with spiced lentils, rich tomato sauce, and tender eggplant. This high-protein meal is both hearty and nourishing, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Lentils - 100 grams
• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250 grams)
• Onion - 1 medium (about 100 grams)
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 500 milliliters
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and soak them for 15 minutes.
2. While the lentils soak, dice the eggplant into cubes and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent (about 5 minutes).
4. Add the drained lentils, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until lentils are tender.
6. In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant cubes and sauté until golden brown and tender (about 8-10 minutes).
7. Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the tomato paste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cook for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
8. In a pot, cook the basmati rice according to package instructions (usually about 10-15 minutes).
9. To serve, layer the rice on a plate, top with the lentil mixture, and then add the sautéed eggplant. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 85 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from lentils, supporting muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.

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