Sesame Beef and Lentils

About This Recipe

Ground beef and green lentils flavored in a sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and sriracha mixture.  This is served with a side of rice and sesame garlic green beans and carrots.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• ⅔ lb green lentils (dried)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 5 green onions (use the whites too)
• 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
• 1½ tbsp soy sauce
• 1½ tbsp brown sugar (honey would work as well)
• 1 tsp sriracha
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 lb green beans (I use frozen, cut beans)
• 5 oz carrots (shredded. I buy precut carrots)
• 1 tbsp garlic
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2½ cups cooked rice

Instructions

1. Cook enough rice to yield 2½ cups of cooked rice. 1 cup of dry rice will make between 2-4 cups of cooked rice depending on the type you use.
2. Rinse your lentils and sift through them to remove any debris.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add in the lentils. Cook until they are soft and then drain the water. It will take between 12-15 minutes.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and cook the beef. Once the beef has browned, drain the fat.
5. Make some room in the middle of the pan. Heat 1 tsp of sesame oil over medium high heat. Add in the green onions and the ginger and cook for one minute or until fragrant.
6. Add in the lentils, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha. Stir to incorporate and adjust flavors as you see fit.
7. If you use frozen green beans, thaw them out in the microwave.
8. Heat a skillet over high heat and add in the sesame oil. Add in the green beans and carrots and allow them to get some color. After 1-2 mintues, add in the garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. You do not want the garlic to burn.
9. This recipe makes 5 servings. Divide your ingredients evenly 5 ways. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top.