Mung Bean Brown Rice Masala

This is true vegetarian comfort food that will make you feel well-nourished and has a tempting, exotic flavor.

Serves 4-6.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp ground asafetida (hing)
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 c finely chopped onion
• 1/2 c finely chopped carrot
• 1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp fresh grated garlic
• 1/2 c finely chopped tomato
• 2 black cardamom pods
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 c whole mung beans
• 1/2 c short grain brown rice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 5 c water
• 2 Tbsp minced cilantro

Directions:

1. Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add asafetida, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds; stir 20 seconds.
2. Add onion, carrot, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry until onion begins to turn transparent.
3. Add tomato, cardamom pods, turmeric, mung beans and rice. Sauté for another minute.
4. Add salt and water, stir, and bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat to very low setting, and simmer 50 minutes. (The masala should be slightly brothy and very aromatic.)
6. Gently stir masala, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve hot.