Basmati Rice with Lentils

• 1/2 cup lentils
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 tablespoons olive or canola oil
• Two 2-inch cinnamon sticks
• 8 cardamom pods
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 medium onion, cut into fine half rings
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1. Soak the lentils in warm water for 35 hours.
2. Drain.
3. Wash the rice in several changes of water.
4. Drain.
5. Soak in fresh water for 30 minutes.
6. Drain.
7. Pour the oil into a heavy, medium pan (that has a tight-fitting lid) and set over medium-high heat.
8. When hot, put in the cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves.
9. Stir for 10 seconds.
10. Put in the onions.
11. Stir and fry until they turn reddish brown.
12. Add the lentils, rice, and salt.
13. Turn heat to medium and saute rice very gently for a minute.
14. Add 3 cups water and bring to a boil.
15. Cover tightly, turn heat to very, very low, and cook gently for 25 minutes.

lentils, basmati rice, olive, cinnamon sticks, pods, bay leaves, onion, salt

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/basmati-rice-with-lentils-373861 (may not work)