Savory Rice Pilaf

By devogirl

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 Tbsp evoo
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/4 cups Jade Pearl Rice
• 3/4 cup diced red pepper
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 2 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp chopped fresh sage
• 2 cups grated Gouda or Cheddar cheese (8oz)

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Toast walnuts in a large dry saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, for about 5 mins. Add oil, celery and garlic. Saute, stirring occasionally for 5 mins. until onion softens. Add rice, bell pepper and salt to cook, stirring occasionally for 2-3 mins. Lower heat, then pour in the water. Cover and simmer for about 20 mins. until all the water is absorbed. In a second pot, boil water with 1/2 cup green lentils with 2 bay leaves. When lentils are tender (about 20 mins), drain them and discard bay leaves.
In the pot with the rice, stir in thyme, sage and lentils. Top with cheese if desired.