Aakkha Masoor Rice

Growing up as a south Indian eating Rice and Sambhar (spicy lentil soup), to learn to cook a dish with lentil and rice was not all that exciting. However when I saw this recipe, it intrigued me for there was no strong spices as I am used to, and yet seemed delicious.

It required the use of whole lentils similar to ones used in the Meditteranean lentil soup of Progresso brand or found in any middle eastern restaurant. I got Aakkha Masoor dal (whole Masoor lentil), another lentil usually found in grocery stores here in Pune.  Soaked the lentils and cooked them in the pressure cooker along with rice in two separate containers.  The tomato sauce that gives it the unique signature taste is simple to make as below. 

Tomato Sauce: 1 finely chopped onion, 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped, 2 tbsp vinegar, green chilli (1-2), 4-5 large tomatoes chopped, 2/3 cup water, chilli flakes, salt and pepper. Saute the onion, garlic and chilli, add the tomatoes and cook for 10 min until water is absorbed. Add water and vinegar, chilli flakes and let it cook for another 10 min until the tomato sauce is slightly thick.

Layer the Lentil, Rice on the serving bowl or plate (as below) and add the tomato sauce on top. Serve hot.The presentation is the key and creates a feeling of dining in a 5-star restaurant..

When you slice into the layers of lentil and rice and eat it with the spicy tomato sauce (the vinegar brings the tangy taste to it), it brings the flavors together into a wholesome meal.

Very simple and quick to make.. the best part is the presentation !