Lentil Quinoa Pilau

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp of coconut oil
• 1/2 cup brown lentils
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 4 cardamon pods
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 thump size of ginger grated
• 1 clove of garlic crushed
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp chilli flakes or more for spicy kick
• 1 cup dry quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• 1/4 veggie stock cube
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Pre soak the lentils overnight or for at least 5 hours to speed up the cooking process. Wash and rinse the soaked lentils before using.

2. 2

   In a pan, heat the oil at medium heat then add the spices, ginger, garlic and onions. Frying the spices and pepper helps to release their aroma

3. 3

   Add 1/4 cup of water to further cook the onions to let them soften and also to make sure the pan is not drying out.

4. 4

   When the onions are soft, add 1 cup of water and lentils and let the lentils cook for 15 minutes. Make sure to fully cover the pan and cook at medium temperature

5. 5

   After 15 minutes, add the quinoa and 1 and 1/2 cup of water, then taste the sauce to make sure there is enough salt.

6. 6

   Cover the pan well and cook the quinoa for 18-20 minutes at low-medium heat.

7. 7

   After, turn off the heat and let the quinoa stand for 5 minutes, still covered, to cool down. This allows the quinoa to be extra fluffy.

8. 8

   The pilau is ready. When you finally remove the cover, you will smell a rich and earthy fragrance that will have your taste buds tingling to taste the pilau

9. 9

   Use a spoon to fluff up the quinoa

10. 10

    Serve with some greens or a salad

11. 11

    This stores really well in the fridge for up to a week