Rice Pilaf w/ Chickpeas and Lentils

Back years and years ago my husband found this recipe on the internet somewhere. He wanted a rice we could eat with chicken kabobs that was different than many of the others out there. We fell in love with this rice. So tasty and good for you as well. Super easy and fast to make. Perfect side to any meal.

 

 

Rice Pilaf w/ Chickpeas and Lentils

1/2 cup cooked lentils

1/2 cup cooked chickpeas

4 T. olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tsp sugar

salt and pepper to taste

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup long grain rice, uncooked

1/4 cup orzo(found in the pasta section of grocery store)

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 T. cumin

1 tsp ground cayenne or red pepper (use only 1/2 tsp if don't like it spicy)

2 cups chicken broth or water

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 T. dried parsley

 

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add the onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Uncover and turn heat up to high stir in lemon juice, rice, orzo and cook for 2-4 minutes, while stirring. Add the tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the parsley 5 minutes before serving.