Curried Rice and Red Lentils

Ingredients

• 2 T vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 T curry powder
• 3/4 cup red lentils
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 3 cups water, vegetable stock, or chicken stock
• Salt, pepper to taste
• 1-2 T melted butter
• Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Pour the oil into a large, sturdy pan that has a snug-fitting lid, and warm it for 1 minute.
2. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to color.
3. Stir in the curry powder and cook it for 1 minute, then pour in the water and heat until it boils.
4. Add the lentils and rice. Once the mixture returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a steady simmer and put the lid on.
5. Cook for 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the lentils are soft. If any liquid remains, boil it off, though after 20 minutes it may already be fully absorbed.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the melted butter right before serving, if you are using it.
7. Finish with chopped parsley or cilantro, if you like.
8. This should freeze well.