MERCIMEKLI VE NOHUTLU PILAV ( PILAV WITH LENTILS AND CHICK PEAS )

HI ALL,  this again a very tasty complete vegetarian meal which is very quick to make. Hope you enjoy...

YOU NEED

• 1 onion, chopped,
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp pepper or tomato paste( puree)
• 1 clove of garlic ( optional )
• 1 tsp chili pepper (optional )
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped peppers
• 1/2 a cup bulgur wheat or rice
• 1 cup cooked chick peas
• 3- 4 cups hot water.
• fresh or dried herbs of your choose
• salt and black pepper

METHOD

First prepare all the vegetables and chop them finely. Wash the lentils,  rice, chick peas and set aside. Fry the onion in the oil for 5 minutes, then add the garlic, tomato paste, tomatoes and peppers. Cook for couple of minutes. Add the lentils, rice and chick peas together with herbs, water, salt and chili pepper. Use 3 cups of water first then add the rest of the water as it cooks. Add more or less to suit your taste. I like to serve this dish  with the constancy like risotto or even more mushier but you can cook and serve it more like a rice dish if you like by using  less water.

Add more herbs and ground black pepper just before serving.