Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           rice
     1/3  cup           lentils
     1/2  cup           sliced onion
   1      teaspoon      cumin seeds
     1/2  inch          cinnamon stick
   2                    cloves
   1                    brown cardamom pod -- split or bruised
  10                    peppercorns -- up to 12

Preparation:

Rinse rice and lentils separately, then soak them in 2 1/2 cups of water for 20-25 minutes. Drain them well and put off to side. Slowly dry-fry onions, in heavy saucepan. When they begin to caramelize and brown, and exude moisture, add cumin, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and peppercorns. If they stick, add a little water. Stir until onions are golden brown. Add 2 1/4 cups off water and put in lentils first. Let it come to a boil, reduce heat to a minimum, cover and cook 10 minutes, add drained rice, stirring gently to mix lentils and and rice together. Cover and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes, let stand 3 or 4 minutes before serving.