Khichri (Indian Rice dish)

1 sweet onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup basmati rice
5 cups water (more if needed)
2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 cup red lentils
3 tbsp margarine
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 tsp garam masala
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Get water boiling on the stove in an ovenproof pan with a lid. Rinse rice and put in boiling water with onions, garlic, and salt. Reduce heat and simmer on low, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

2. Rinse red lentils and add to pan. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. By now the rice and lentils will be mostly cooked and getting fairly dry. If too dry, mix in some more water, then place in the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until fully cooked.

4. Heat margarine in a small pan over medium heat and fry sliced shallots for 5-7 minutes, until golden. Add in garam masala, then gently stir into khrichi along with the cilantro. Add water, if needed, to reach desired consistency. It can be more dry like a biryani, or wetter like a porridge. Season to taste and serve.

Recipe courtesy of http://vegandad.blogspot.com