Dairy-Free Adas Polo (Lentil Rice)

Instructions

1. 1Measure 2 cups Basmati rice and 1 cup Brown or green lentils. Rinse the 2 cups Basmati rice and 1 cup Brown or green lentils separately in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear, then set them aside.
2. 2In a large heavy-bottomed pot, bring 4 cups Water to a rolling boil over high heat (100°C / 100°C). Carefully add the rinsed 2 cups Basmati rice, 1 cup Brown or green lentils, and 1 teaspoon Salt to the boiling water. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice grains are about three-quarters done and still have a slight bite when tasted, then carefully drain the mixture together in a fine-mesh sieve and set aside.
3. 3Peel and finely chop the 1 medium Onion. In a separate medium-sized saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil over medium heat (176.7°C / 175°C). Add the chopped 1 medium Onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden brown.
4. 4Add the 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric to the sautéed onions in the medium-sized saucepan, stirring for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant. Then, add the 1/2 cup Raisins and the 1/2 cup Dates (pitted and roughly chopped if large) to the saucepan, stirring to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the raisins plump up slightly.
5. 5Return to the large heavy-bottomed pot. Spread about one-third of the drained rice and lentil mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the onion, raisin, date, cinnamon, and turmeric mixture over this layer. Repeat with another third of the rice and lentil mixture, then the remaining half of the aromatic mixture, and finally top with the last third of the rice and lentil mixture.
6. 6Cover the large heavy-bottomed pot tightly with its lid; for a better seal, you may place a clean kitchen towel between the pot and the lid to absorb steam. Cook over low heat (the lowest setting on your stove, approximately 93.33°C / 95°C) for 30 minutes, listening for a gentle sizzling sound to confirm the rice is steaming.
7. 7After 30 minutes, turn off the heat completely and let the pot sit, still covered, for another 10 minutes; this resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy. Gently stir to combine the layers before serving hot.

Related Guides