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1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
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2. In a large oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven (about 30cm / 12-inch), combine the olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir together, then place uncovered in the oven for 12–15 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the onion is softened and just beginning to turn golden.
1 piece Yellow onion,
4 clove Garlic cloves,
3 tbsp Olive oil
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3. Remove the dish from the oven and stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper directly into the softened onion and garlic. Stir well so the spices are evenly coated in the oil — this blooms the spices in the residual heat.
2 tbsp Tomato paste,
1.5 tsp Ground cumin,
1.5 tsp Smoked paprika,
1 tsp Ground coriander,
0.2 tsp Ground cinnamon,
1 tsp Dried thyme,
1.5 tsp Salt,
0.5 tsp Black pepper
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4. Rinse the red lentils and long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add both to the baking dish along with the crushed tomatoes, vegetable stock, and bay leaves. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
1 cup Long-grain white rice,
0.8 cup Red lentils,
1 can Canned crushed tomatoes,
2 cup Vegetable stock,
2 piece Bay leaves
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5. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or a double layer of foil, sealing the edges well to trap all the steam. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 45 minutes — do not lift the lid during this time.
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6. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the lid or foil (watch for steam). Check that the rice and lentils are fully tender and have absorbed the liquid — the texture should be thick and spoonable, similar to a loose risotto. If the liquid is not fully absorbed, re-cover and bake for a further 10 minutes.
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7. Remove and discard the bay leaves. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the top of the bake and stir gently to brighten all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
1 piece Lemon
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8. Spoon into bowls and scatter fresh parsley over the top to serve. A dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of extra olive oil alongside is wonderful.
0.2 cup Fresh parsley (garnish)
By mansi