Rinse lentils and simmer in water until tender but not mushy (about 15–20 minutes).
Ingredients (for 6 servings)
1 whole — Rice & Lentils
1½ cups — basmati rice • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed • 1 tbsp salt (for rice water) • Water, as needed for boiling
1 whole — Flavor Base
1 whole — large yellow onion, thinly sliced • 2–3 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil • 1 tsp turmeric • 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1/2 tsp cumin • Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 whole — Sweet & Aromatic Toppings
½ cup — raisins • 4–6 dates, chopped • 2 tbsp slivered almonds or pistachios • 1/4 tsp saffron threads bloomed in 2 tbsp hot water (optional but traditional)