Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re excited to share a delightful recipe with you: Cold Lentil and Rice Cake with Tartar Sauce. This refreshing dish is perfect for hot summer days when you crave something light, yet satisfying. It combines the earthiness of lentils, the fluffiness of rice, and the tanginess of tartar sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the star ingredient: jasmine white rice. For this dish, we recommend using Mahatma Jasmine White Rice, which is known for its fragrant aroma and delicate taste. You can find this high-quality rice at: https://mahatmarice.com/products/jasmine-white-rice/ It’s the perfect choice to elevate the flavors of our Cold Lentil and Rice Cake.
Ingredients
For the Cold Lentil and Rice Cake:
1 cup Mahatma Jasmine White Rice
½ cup green lentils
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 small carrot, grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tartar Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Cooking the Rice and Lentils
Rinse the rice and lentils under cold water.
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add the rice and lentils to the boiling water, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice and lentils are cooked and tender.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let them cool completely.
Step 2
Preparing the Rice Cake
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice and lentils.
Add the green onions, grated carrot, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together.
Step 3
Shaping and Chilling the Rice Cake
Divide the rice and lentil mixture into equal portions.
Shape each portion into a round cake or patty, about ½ inch thick.
Place the shaped cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover the cakes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Step 4
Making the Tartar Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Step 5
Serving
Once the rice cakes have chilled and firmed up, they are ready to be served.
Place a rice cake on a plate and drizzle with a generous amount of tartar sauce.
Garnish with additional fresh dill and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Repeat with the remaining rice cakes.
Serve cold and enjoy!
Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe
High in Fiber
Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management.
Protein Powerhouse
Lentils and rice together create a complete protein source, making this recipe a fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall health.
Complex Carbohydrates
The combination of lentils and rice provides complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly, resulting in sustained energy release. Complex carbohydrates also contribute to stable blood sugar levels and help you feel satisfied for longer periods.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Lentils are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Folate is crucial for red blood cell production, iron supports oxygen transport, potassium aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, and magnesium is involved in numerous biochemical reactions in the body.
Tips and Variations
- For an extra crunch, you can lightly pan-fry the rice cakes in a bit of oil until golden brown on both sides.
- If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute vegan mayonnaise in the tartar sauce.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors of the rice cakes according to your taste preferences.
Variations of This Recipe
Mediterranean Twist: Add a Mediterranean flair to this dish by incorporating ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. These additions will infuse the rice cakes with a burst of tanginess and saltiness, creating a delightful Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, spice up the recipe by adding chili flakes or finely diced jalapeños to the rice and lentil mixture. You can also mix a dash of hot sauce into the tartar sauce for an extra kick.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs to enhance the flavor profile of the rice cakes. Consider adding fresh mint leaves or cilantro to the mixture for a refreshing twist.
Vegetable Medley: Get creative with the vegetable additions in the rice cakes. Try incorporating finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn kernels for added texture and color. The combination of different vegetables will not only elevate the nutritional value but also contribute to a visually appealing presentation.
Storing and Shelf Life
To store the Cold Lentil and Rice Cakes, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed cold, but you can reheat them in a pan or microwave if desired. The tartar sauce can also be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to a week.
We hope you enjoy this refreshing and flavorful recipe for Cold Lentil and Rice Cake with Tartar Sauce. Mahatma Jasmine White Rice adds a touch of elegance to this dish, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Remember to visit mahatmarice to explore more about their high-quality rice offerings.
Prepare this dish to impress your family and friends with its unique combination of textures and flavors. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a light lunch, the Cold Lentil and Rice Cake with Tartar Sauce is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy and happy cooking!