Note: this piece first appeared in the February 2007 issue of Clark Wellness ForkBytes.
The use of kombu, a sea vegetable available in the macrobiotic/Asian section of the natural foods market, helps remineralize the lentils and rice and aids digestion.
Serves 3 to 4
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 small piece kombu (about 2 inches long)
4 cups water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup brown rice, rinsed
Place the lentils, kombu, and water in a soup pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small skillet. Add the onion and sauté until well browned. Set aside.
After the lentils have cooked for 15 minutes, add the onion and cooking oil (reserving some cooked onions for garnish if desired), salt, pepper, parsley (reserving some for garnish if desired) and brown rice. Re-cover and cook another 30 to 45 minutes or until the lentils and rice are tender, but not mushy. Garnish with reserved onions and/or parsley, if desired, and serve.
