Rice and Lentils with Onion Tarka

To create this soul-satisfying dish, we took inspiration from the Indian rice and lentil dish known as kitchari. We finish our version with onion tarka, which features spices that are bloomed in hot oil to release their fragrance and flavor. Tarka typically is made with whole spices; we call for a cinnamon stick, cloves and cumin seeds, but feel free to mix and match the seasonings depending on what’s in your pantry. Take the time to first soak the rice and lentils in salted water, as this helps them to cook up light and separate.