Tomato Lentil Rice With Feta Yogurt

Preparation

1. Prepare the rice:

   1. Step 1

      In a medium pot over medium high heat, heat oil until it is loose and shimmering, about 1 minute. Lower the heat to medium and add onions, cover with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally as needed, until onions have softened and have light browning on the edges, about 7 minutes.

   2. Step 2

      Uncover pot, add the garlic and cook until it has softened slightly, about 1 minute. Spoon the softened garlic and onions out of the pot and transfer to a bowl; set aside. 

   3. Step 3

      Add lentils to the same pot along with enough water to cover. Adjust the heat to medium-high, bring to a boil and cook until the lentils have softened slightly, about 14 minutes. Drain lentils in a colander and rinse briefly until the water runs clear.

   4. Step 4

      Return the lentils to the pot along with the reserved onion-garlic mixture. Stir in the rice, marinara sauce, cilantro, cumin, coriander and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until the rice starts to dry slightly.

   5. Step 5

      Add the water to the pot along with the salt, adjust the heat to high and bring to a strong boil. Stir the rice mixture once more, cover the pot, and turn the heat to low. Cook undisturbed for 12 to 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let the pot rest, covered, for 5 minutes more, until the rice is tender.

2. Make the yogurt:

   1. Step 6

      While the rice cooks, combine yogurt, garlic, dill, salt, lemon juice, feta, and pepper in a bowl until all the ingredients are integrated. Place the yogurt mix in the fridge to chill while the rice finishes. 

   2. Step 7

      When the lentil rice is ready, uncover the pot and fluff with a fork, and serve with feta yogurt.