Categories: December2010, Indian, lentils, rice

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 ounces white or brown basmati rice, washed in several changes of water
• 1 1/4 ounces mung beans (lentils), split and husks removed (or husks left on if using brown rice)
• 1 rounded teaspoon ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 1 whole green chile, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
• 1/2 clove garlic
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 14 ounces water (17 ounces if using brown rice)
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Soak the rice and lentils in a large pan of water for 30 minutes.

2. In a large nonstick saucepan melt the ghee. Add the cumin and fry for 20 seconds, or until the seeds have colored and their aroma has been released. Stir in the onion and cook until they are soft.

3. When the onion has cooked, add the chile, ginger, garlic, and salt and cook for a minute before adding the turmeric, water, drained rice, and lentils. Bring the mixture to the boil briefly before lowering the heat and simmering gently until the rice and lentils are tender. This should take approximately 20 minutes. (If using brown rice, follow the same method, cooking the rice and lentils for 40 minutes with a little additional water.)

4. Once the rice and lentils are tender, stir in the garam masala and freshly ground black pepper and serve.

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