Green Lentils and Rice Assyrian Style

Place the lentils into a pot and cover with the water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat for 5 minutes then cover and remove from heat. Meanwhile rinse the rice in cold water until water comes out clear.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the rice for about 1 minute until the grains turn opaque and white then stir in the lentils and water. Bring the rice mixture to a boil then cover and reduce heat to medium-low for 5 minutes. Stir once then cover and reduce heat further to low. Continue cooking covered (don't remove the lid!) until the rice is tender about 15 minutes more.

Meanwhile heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking and stirring until the onion is very tender and dark brown 15 to 20 minutes more. When the rice is ready stir in the caramelized onion and season with salt.