Peruvian Rice and Lentils Tacu Tacu

Experience a taste of Peru with this hearty and flavorful Peruvian Rice and Lentils Tacu Tacu recipe! This traditional dish transforms pantry staples like white rice and lentils into a crispy, golden masterpiece with bold flavors of cumin, paprika, and sautéed onion and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe comes together in under 40 minutes and packs a delightful crunch while remaining soft and satisfying on the inside. Garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lime, Tacu Tacu is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile, making it a delicious vegetarian centerpiece or the perfect side dish. Perfect for those seeking healthy, budget-friendly recipes with an authentic South American twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1.5 cups cooked lentils (green or brown)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, cooked lentils, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 5

Add the rice and lentil mixture to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir everything together and press the mixture into the skillet using a spatula, forming a compact and even layer.

Step 6

Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil around the edges of the skillet to encourage a crispy crust to form.

Step 7

Allow the Tacu Tacu to cook undisturbed for 6–8 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crisp. Carefully flip the mixture over in sections (or as one large piece, if possible) using a spatula and cook for another 5–6 minutes on the other side until crispy.

Step 8

Transfer the Tacu Tacu to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 9

Serve hot with lime wedges on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(812.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1224.9

Total Fat 45.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1994.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.8g	0%
Total Sugars 10.7g
Protein 38.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 166.5mg	0%
Iron 16.7mg	0%
Potassium 1537.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.9%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 54.7%