INDIAN-SPICED RICE WITH LENTILS

Indian-Spiced Rice with Lentils image

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup dried lentils
1 cup basmati rice*
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 1-inch pieces of cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger
4 1/3 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Steps:

Rinse lentils; drain. Place in small bowl. Rinse rice; drain. Place in another small bowl. Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cinnamon, cloves, and cumin; sauté about 2 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; sauté about 30 seconds. Add water, salt, sugar, and turmeric; bring to boil. Reduce heat; add lentils and cook 8 minutes. Increase heat to high. Add rice and boil 5 minutes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until lentils and rice are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes longer. Remove from heat; let stand covered 5 minutes. Transfer rice to large bowl. Remove cinnamon stick pieces and cloves. Mix in cilantro and lime juice.
Basmati rice is available at Indian markets and some supermarkets.