Mujaddara

I have made the whole masoor pulao earlier and I wondered if this recipe of Mujaddara from The big sweet tooth was any different.  It was.  Much simpler.  A one pot meal.  And one of those foods that you can cook in a short time.  A healthy version of the kichidi we make and a real comfort food.

Ingredients:

1 cup of whole lentils - I used Masoor - red lentils
Rice - 1 1/2 cups
Water - 4 cups approximately
Oil - 2 tbsp
Cumin powder - 1 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Chili powder - to taste
Garlic cloves - 2 nos
Onion - 1 sliced , and another half for garnish
Coriander leaves for garnish
Salt to taste

Soak the lentils for about 20 mins.  Wash, drain.
Clean and soak the rice.
Heat oil in a saucepan.
Fry the powders - cumin and coriander - add the garlic.  Ensure they do not burn
Now the sliced onions.  Saute till soft.
Add the masoor.  And about two cups of water and salt.
Cook on medium flame till the lentil is cooked.  It should not get mashed.
Now add the drained rice to the lentils.
Add remaining water - let it be hot so that cooking is not slowed down
And a little more salt.
Bring to boil and simmer covered till water is used up and the rice is done.
Meanwhile the remaining onion is caramalised in oil and kept aside for garnish.

Fluff up the rice with a fork
Garnish with coriander leaves and the caramalised onions.

Serve with a spicy raitha.

Note -
I found many variations of this recipe.  Add vegetable broth while cooking for a more flavourful rice.
Some have added leeks instead of onion.
There are others with whole spices.

Add your twist and make this dish your own.