Ground beef and lentil rice pilaf recipe

Most people who I cook for like spicy food, but sometimes I have to make exceptions. It can be challenging to cook something that everyone will enjoy even when many are expecting the "hot" level to be higher. I created this recipe keeping in mind the few who cannot eat spicy food, and the many who would love this even though they expect a different spice level.

Ingredients:
The below ingredients are party size and will be adequate for 12 people. You can change the ingredients to half the portion for a smaller serving, or just enjoy the leftovers - it tastes quite good the next day. 

2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup toor dal (lentils called toor are available at all Indian grocery stores)
2 cups rice
1/2 tsp freshly sliced garlic
1 tsp black mustard seeds
1 tsp ground coriander seeds
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
4 to 6 Fresh dill sprigs
Cooking oil
Salt to taste

Cook the rice and set aside to cool. Add 2 tsp salt when cooking the rice.

In a saucepan, warm 1 tbsp of cooking oil.
Add the garlic, stir until it changes color and then add the ground beef.
Let the beef fry for 5 minutes, stirring so it does not burn.

In a separate saucepan, warm 1 tbsp of cooking oil.
Add the mustard seeds, and let it fry until the seeds start to sputter.

Add the lentils and fry for 3 minutes.

Add ½ cup water and let the lentils cook on medium heat until all the water has evaporated.

Once all the water has evaporated from the lentils, add the lentils to the saucepan with the beef, add 2 tsp salt, the ground coriander and pepper, and mix well.

Add 1 cup water to the saucepan and cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Check if the lentils are fully cooked. If they are, then cook uncovered until all water has evaporated. If they need more time, add some more water and continue to cook uncovered, and repeat the previous step.

Once the beef and lentil mix is cooked and all the water has evaporated, set is aside for a few minutes to cool.

Chop the dill and gently mix it in with the cooked rice. Add the beef and lentils and mix it in with the rice. 

You can garnish with freshly cut serrano or thai chillies to make it spicier!

This can be served with a traditional Indian or Mediterranean yogurt salad, or can be a side dish to other entrees.

 ENJOY!!