# Introduction
This nourishing pilaf combines the earthy flavors of reishi mushrooms with protein-rich lentils and whole grains to create a deeply satisfying dish. Reishi mushrooms, traditionally used in wellness practices, pair beautifully with nutty lentils to deliver a meal packed with dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients. Perfect as a main course or wholesome side dish, this pilaf supports digestive health while offering complex, layered flavors that develop as the ingredients meld together.
## Ingredients
**For the pilaf:**
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
– 1 cup brown rice
– 4 dried reishi mushrooms, chopped (or 150g fresh reishi, sliced)
– 1 medium carrot, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 3 cups vegetable or mushroom broth
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– ½ teaspoon turmeric
– 1 bay leaf
– Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional garnish)
## Steps
1. **Prepare the reishi mushrooms:** If using dried reishi, soak them in 1 cup of warm water for 15 minutes to soften. Chop them into small pieces, reserving the soaking liquid.
2. **Sauté the aromatics:** Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. **Add vegetables:** Add the diced carrot and bell pepper to the pot, cooking for another 5 minutes until slightly tender.
4. **Toast the grains:** Add the brown rice to the pot and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to toast lightly. This enhances its nutty flavor.
5. **Combine ingredients:** Add the rinsed lentils, chopped reishi mushrooms, cumin, turmeric, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
6. **Add liquid:** Pour in the vegetable broth and the reserved reishi soaking liquid (strain if desired to remove any sediment). Bring the mixture to a boil.
7. **Simmer:** Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until the lentils and rice are tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not stir during cooking, as this helps the grains remain separate.
8. **Rest and fluff:** Remove from heat and let the pilaf rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
9. **Season and serve:** Taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt and black pepper. Stir in the fresh parsley and top with pumpkin seeds if desired.
## Nutritional Information
**Estimated Fiber Content per Portion:**
Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups), this pilaf contains **approximately 10-12 grams of dietary fiber**, making it an excellent high-fiber meal option. The majority of this fiber comes from the brown lentils (contributing about 6-7 grams) and brown rice (contributing about 3-4 grams), with additional fiber from the vegetables and reishi mushrooms. This substantial fiber content supports digestive health, promotes satiety, and contributes to stable blood sugar levels.
*Serves 4-5 people*