Budget Rice, Leek and Red Lentil Skillet Cake with Crispy Topping

Name: Budget Rice, Leek and Red Lentil Skillet Cake with Crispy Topping
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión casera
Ingredients: 4.2 oz dry red lentils; 1 1/4 cups water; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 1/2 cups leek; 3.5 oz onion; 2 cloves garlic; 2 units eggs; 2 oz semi-hard grated cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp sunflower seeds; 1 1/2 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice

An original, filling and budget-friendly recipe that turns cooked rice, red lentils and leek into a savory golden skillet cake, finished with a crisp breadcrumb and seed topping. Ideal for a simple meal with plenty of flavor and low-cost ingredients.

20 minPrep

35 minCook

55 minTotal

4Servings

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings

120 g dry red lentils (enjuagadas)
300 ml water (for cocer the lentejas)
300 g cooked white rice (cold or of the día anterior)
180 g leek (sliced finas, solo parte blanca and verde tierna)
100 g onion (chopped fina)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
2 units eggs (batidos)
60 g semi-hard grated cheese (divided)
50 g breadcrumbs (divided)
20 g sunflower seeds (for the cubierta)
4 g sweet paprika
2 g ground cumin
1 g dried oregano
6 g salt (or to taste)
1 g black pepper (or to taste)
30 ml vegetable oil (divided)
120 g plain yogurt (for servir opcionalmente)
15 ml lemon juice (mezclado with the yogur optional)

Nutrition facts

per serving

368 kcal

Calories

14.2 g

Protein

45.8 g

Carbs

13.6 g

Fat

5.7 g

Fiber

40.1 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyEggs

Instructions

1
1. Place the red lentils in a saucepan with 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) water and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until tender and nearly dry. Set aside and let cool slightly.
2
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large 24 cm ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the leek, onion and garlic. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring, until soft and lightly golden.
3
3. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F.
4
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked red lentils, the sautéed leek, onion and garlic, the beaten eggs, 40 g (1.4 oz) grated cheese, 30 g (about 1/3 cup) breadcrumbs, sweet paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt and black pepper. Mix well until you have a moist but compact mixture.
5
5. Lightly grease the same skillet with the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Spread the mixture evenly and press with a spatula to form a compact cake.
6
6. In a small bowl, mix the 20 g (2 tbsp) sunflower seeds, the remaining 20 g grated cheese and the remaining 20 g breadcrumbs. Scatter this topping over the cake and press lightly so it adheres.
7
7. Cook the skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes to brown the base. Then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, until the top is golden and crisp.
8
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. If desired, stir the plain yogurt with the lemon juice and serve it on the side or spooned over each portion.

Chef tips

If the rice feels very dry, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to the mixture before shaping the cake. For a firmer base, press the mixture well into the skillet and do not move it during the first browning stage.

Substitutions

You can replace the leek with extra onion or finely shredded cabbage. The cheese can be omitted for a dairy-free version by adding 2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs and 1 additional tablespoon of oil, although the texture will change.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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Illustrative image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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