A perfect addition to your holiday table, this dish is a complete meal—legumes, grain, and vegetable. Full of flavor and packed with healing essence, this dish is hearty and satisfying. Black lentils support and bolster your Kidney Qi, while the rice and root vegetables—carrots and beets—support both your Stomach and Spleen. Because of their deep red color, beets also help to regenerate red blood cells.
1 cup of black lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 cup of long grain rice, rinsed
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of cracked pepper
2 Tablespoons of salted butter, melted
4 cups broth or water
3 medium-sized beets, peeled and chopped into even pieces
4 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1” pieces
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
3 Tablespoons of olive oil
6 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves removed from the stem
2 additional sprigs of thyme for garnish (optional)