ADAS POLO

1 1/2 cups lentils, soaked

2 cups basmati rice
2 cups water
1 onion, sliced thinly
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon saffron, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
3/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup dates, pitted and chopped
1 potato, sliced into thin rounds
canola oil
1/4 cup butter, melted

In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and simmer lentils on low for
20 - 30 minutes, or until tender. Drain water from lentils and set aside.
In a pan, saute the onions and garlic in oil. Add raisins, dates, and spices, ex
cept saffron. Mix well and set aside.
Cook rice as you would like. For a sure-fire way, I use my rice cooker. Rinse th
e rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add to rice cooker and cover
with 2 cups water. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a drizzle of oil. Cook. Once rice
is done, transfer cooked rice to a large bowl.
In the same pot (or your rice cooker), add oil to just cover the bottom surface.
Add potato slices.
Add a layer of rice.
Add a layer of lentil-raisin mixture.
Continue layering, ending with a final layer of rice.
Cover and cook (on medium heat in a pot or just hit "cook" button on your rice c
ooker) for 10 minutes.
Drizzle melted butter and saffron water over your rice.
Cover the top of your pot or rice cooker with a tea towel to prevent steam from
escaping, and top with lid.
Cook on low for 30 minutes.