Lentil and Rice Pilaf with Caramelized Onions

Want to give your standard bowl of white rice a personality boost? Add some lentils, spices and onions and you’ve got a delicious side dish with protein, textural contrast and zip.
This pilaf goes particularly well with my stuffed eggplant recipe from a few weeks ago, as well as grilled vegetables with yogurt-garlic sauce and/or grilled [...]

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Spiced Couscous and Chickpea Salad

This is a light, healthy side dish that complements grilled salmon or chicken. For a vegetarian entrée, increase the amount of chickpeas to two cups and serve with roasted or grilled vegetables.
Spiced Couscous and Chickpea Salad
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
6 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ [...]

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Brown Rice Sauté with Tarragon and Wild Mushrooms

I suggest using an assortment of wild mushrooms such as tree oyster, king trumpet, and shiitake (see photo below). Try to avoid button mushrooms because they release too much liquid when cooked.
This sauté method transforms starchy brown rice into chewy, tender grains.
Brown Rice Sauté with Tarragon and Wild Mushrooms
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive [...]

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