Medium size cast iron dutch oven or other oven safe dish with lid
Ingredients
1cupLotus Foods Jade Pearl Rice, or any long grain riceIf it is Jade Pearl, don't rinse it before using. Any other rice can and should be rinsed.
1/4cupred lentils, rinse well
postage stamp size piece of kombu
2whole cloves
Pinchof sea salt
1medium carrot, medium size slices
1stalk celery, medium size slices
Handful of cilantro or parsley, chopped coarsely
Instructions
Oven to 350℉.
Place all ingredients in a medium size, oven safe heavy bottomed pot with a tight oven safe lid. I like my Le Creuset for this. If you have a ceramic rice pot that would be lovely, too.
Add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, place the lid on top and transfer to oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes covered before removing rice to a serving dish. Add garnish to the top or at the table.
Notes
If you use a whole grain brown rice, you can rinse it and soak overnight in the water you will cook it with. Then add all the other ingredients and cook for 45-50 minutes.If you are using an oven safe baking dish, bring the rice and vegetables to a moderate heat before transferring it to your dish, Then cover and place in oven. A cast iron dutch oven, like Le Creuset can often go from stove top to oven. Feel free to experiment with a variety of vegetables and grains. Adding the vegetables increases the yin aspect of the dish and lightens it. Plus it adds so much flavor. Your taste buds will be singing.