Got some leftover rice and cooked lentils or canned beans? Want to do something different on the side burner for this weekend’s barbecue? Try this easy spiced tomato curry rice with lentils and you will get an exotic side to go with your grilled goodies in no time!
On a wonderful weekend barbecue, you would want to focus on your grilled main courses. Therefore the sides should be the last thing to worry about. However, salads and potato wedges might not be for everyone, especially not my Asian parents-in-law and grandparents. This delicious rice dish is so satisfying with mild spices, that will definitely complete the meal even for the pickiest eaters!
What ingredients do I need for Tomato Curry Rice and Lentils?
First, rice!
I used (affiliate link) basmati rice mixed with black rice here as it gives an aromatic flavor that pairs well with curry taste. Do you know that basmati rice also has a lower GI than other types of rice? This make it a perfect light side dish for heavy main course like a barbeque or roast. Balance is the key!
For quick cooking, or more precisely reheating, leftover lentils or canned beans are the best for this recipe. Note that whole lentils like brown and green lentils will hold their shape well. In contrast, red split lentils tend to get mushy and is not recommended for this recipe. You can even sprout your brown and green lentils for few days so no precooking is required. If you are not sure where to look for them, below are some recommendations! (affiliate links)
And of course, the tomato paste and curry powder! You may use either tomato paste or strained tomato for this recipe. Whichever way you go, adjust cooking time or add a little water as needed. The sweet spot is where all the tomato flavor coats evenly on each rice grain while keeping the pan from getting runny and soggy!
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Tomato Curry Rice and Beans/Lentils
Ingredients
- 6 cups Cooked rice I used a mix of white basmati and purple/black rice
- 3 cups Cooked lentils or sub with canned beans
- 3/4 cup Strained tomato
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- Salt to taste
Optional garnish
- Red pepper flakes
- Coriander leaves
Instructions
- Heat frying pan with cooking oil. Add curry powder and drained tomato to pan and saute until fragrant
- Add rice and beans/lentils to pan. Mix well with a spatula and add 1/2 cup water if it is sticking
- When rice and beans/lentils are warmed up thoroughly, remove from heat, garnish and serve!