Step 1

Rinse lentils and soak them in 4 cups of water for 20 minutes (If you don't have time to soak your lentils, that's ok - they'll just need longer to cook).

Step 2

Mince garlic finely. Chop onion finely.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic and chili, if using, and toast lightly, for about a minute. Add onions to the spices, stir until coated, and saute until golden, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

If lentils were soaking, drain the water. To the pot with onions and spices, add 1 cup of lentils and enough water to coat them, plus one more cup of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Raise heat to medium-high and cook lentils for 20 minutes if the lentils were soaked (25-30 if they weren't soaked), testing for doneness (lentils should be cooked through but not mushy).

Step 5

While lentils are cooking, rinse your rice 3-5 times in cold water, until water comes out clean. Let rice soak in 4 cups of water while lentils are cooking.

Step 6

When lentils are cooked through but not mushy, to the same pot as the lentils add rice, 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 cups of water (if using whole-grain rice, you'll want more water, about 2.5 cups). Cover with a lid, raise heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, lower heat to very low and let cook for about 25 minutes, until most of the water has evaporated and rice is cooked through. Fluff rice through gently with a fork, cover with lid and let rest for another 10 minutes.

Step 7

Optional: While rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. When oil has heated through, add slivered onions. Let cook on low-medium heat until onions have browned and caramelised.

Step 8

Chop cilantro or parsley finely.

Step 9

When rice is cooked through, pour contents of pot into big serving platter. Mix rice and lentils gently. Top with chopped herbs and caramelized onions. Taste and adjust flavours - dish may need more salt, as for your liking.

Step 10

Serve with more herbs on the side, individual lemon wedges and, if you're eating dairy, labaneh. It will be a magical dish!