Dairy-Free Adas Polo (Lentil Rice) with Caramelized Onions & Dates

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 1 cup Green lentils
• 2 large Onions
• 0.5 cup Pitted dates
• 0.25 cup Raisins
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cups Water

Instructions

1. 1Measure 2 cups of Basmati rice and 1 cup of Green lentils into separate bowls. Rinse both the rice and the lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain them well and set aside. Soak the rinsed 2 cups of Basmati rice in enough water to cover it by about 2 inches, adding 1 teaspoon of Salt. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2Place the drained 1 cup of Green lentils in a medium pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water and set the cooked lentils aside.
3. 3Thinly slice the 2 large Onions. Heat 4 tablespoons of Olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, until they are deeply golden brown and sweet. Stir in the 0.5 teaspoon of Cinnamon and 0.25 teaspoon of Turmeric and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. 4Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Drain the soaked 2 cups of Basmati rice. Carefully add the drained rice to the boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the grains are slightly softened but still have a bite. Drain the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve.
5. 5In the same large pot you used for the rice, combine half of the drained rice, half of the cooked lentils, half of the caramelized onion mixture, half of the 0.5 cup Pitted dates, and half of the 0.25 cup Raisins. Repeat with the remaining rice, lentils, onion mixture, dates, and raisins, creating layers.
6. 6Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Cook over very low heat (low setting on your stove, approximately 250-275°F / 120-135°C) for 35-40 minutes. The rice should be fully cooked and fluffy, and you may hear a gentle steaming sound. Let it rest, covered, off the heat for 5 minutes before serving to allow the steam to distribute evenly.
7. 7Serve the Dairy-Free Adas Polo hot.

Substitutions

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