Gluten-Free Adas Polo (Lentil Rice)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Gluten-free basmati rice
• 1 cup Green lentils
• 0.5 cup Raisins
• 0.5 cup Dates (pitted and chopped)
• 1 medium Onion
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the 2 cups of gluten-free basmati rice several times under cold water. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with water, letting it soak for 30 minutes.
2. 2While the rice soaks, place the 1 cup of green lentils in a medium saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C), then reduce the heat to low (250°F / 120°C) and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain the lentils well and set them aside.
3. 3Finely chop the 1 medium onion. Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Add the 0.5 cup raisins, 0.5 cup chopped dates, 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. 4Drain the soaked 2 cups of gluten-free basmati rice thoroughly. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the drained rice, the cooked lentils, and the sautéed mixture of onion, raisins, dates, cinnamon, and cumin. Stir everything together gently.
5. 5Add water to the pot to cover the rice and lentil mixture by about 1 inch. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat (425°F / 220°C).
6. 6Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting (200°F / 95°C), cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. The rice is cooked when it is tender and all the water has been absorbed.
7. 7Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy. Gently fluff the Adas Polo with a fork before serving hot.

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