Middle Eastern Rice & Lentils

Recipe is from Food Network - sounds so nice and healthy.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  cups carrots, shredded (about 4)
• 2  tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2  teaspoons ground cumin
•  kosher salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup  extra-virgin olive oil
• 1  onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2  garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1⁄4 cups basmati rice
• 1 (15 ounce) can lentils, drained and rinsed
• 3⁄4 cup  low-fat greek plain yogurt
•  fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. Toss the carrots with the lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoons each cumin and salt, and a few grinds of black pepper in a bowl; set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until deep golden brown, about 12 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove about half of the onion to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.
3. Add the garlic, cinnamon, cayenne and the remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons cumin to the pan with the remaining onion. Cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in the rice and 3/4 teaspoons salt. Add 2 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 18 minutes.
4. Stir the lentils into the rice. Serve topped with the reserved carrot mixture and onion, the yogurt and cilantro.