Köfteli Pilav

Köfteli Pilav is a fragrant, vegan Turkish rice dish featuring spiced lentil meatballs served over fluffy rice. This comforting meal is infused with aromatic spices, making it a delightful and satisfying option for any dinner.

Ingredients

• Brown rice - 150 grams
• Red lentils - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, grated
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 400 milliliters
• Fresh parsley - a handful, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the grated carrot and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften.
4. Add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the red lentils, sautéed vegetable mixture, and a little salt. Form the mixture into small meatball shapes (about 2-3 cm in diameter).
6. In a frying pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and fry the lentil meatballs until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
7. In the same pot used for the onions, add the soaked and drained brown rice. Stir for a minute to coat the rice in the flavorful oil.
8. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
9. Once the rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve the rice topped with the lentil meatballs.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 80 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from lentils, supporting muscle health.
• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

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