Day 32 (Round II) "In the trenches" (telegraphic cuisine edition)

Just ain't no time for considered prose today--too many events, too many people, too many deadlines to meet. So, in lieu of said prose--and because I'm trying to keep my mind off Round III and Final of the Smackdown going on over on the network channels, here's some good cheap peasant food:

Dr Coyote's Silk Road Special (pilau for poor folks):

Cook one cup red or green lentils (red are prettier) in about 4 cups water, at a light boil, for around forty minutes; when cooked until al dente, drain but reserve the water.

Cook one cup of basmati rice in at least a thumbnail's depth of water (see prior treatments); once boiling, reduce to simmer, cover, and leave it alone.

In a decent-sized skillet, cook approx 4 cloves chopped garlic in 1 tablespoon olive or sesame oil until golden brown; add 1 cup chopped onion and continue to saute, until lightly browned. Add a solid teaspoon of turmeric and same of cumin to garlic/onion mixture; saute on slightly-reduced heat until spices are dissolved into and coat the vegetables.

Add the lentils to the garlic/onion/spices, plus a splash (about 1/3 cup) of the cooking liquid. Stir over moderate heat for a minute or two, until all ingredients are mixed, and the liquid is mostly reduced.

Add the rice to the lentil/garlic/onion mixture and stir over low heat until mixed. Add black pepper, and a dash of salt (to taste). Garnish with grated almond or chopped pine-nuts. Serve with a green salad and warmed pita bread. And a nice rough red wine is never unwelcome.

Should feed at least 4 for one meal--or two, with leftovers for next day (to prepare as leftovers, stir/warm on the stove in a dry skillet).