Lentils and rice. Saute 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds and 2 tablespoons of coriander powder in some neutral oil. Add 5 cups water, salt and pepper, bring to a boil. Put in a cup of brown lentils and reduce to simmer. Simmer for 10 min. Add a cup of rice, cover and cook on low for 20 min.
Serve with caramelized onions and yogurt if you’re fancy. Skip that and serve with cheese if you’re me. I shamelessly stole this and bastardized it from Christopher Kimball’s mujaddara recipe.
It sounds like more work than it is. Toast spices, 5c water, 1c lentils for 10 min, 1c rice for 20 min, bob’s your uncle.
I definitely agree. Back in school I learned that a Newbury medal in a book meant that a dog and/or parental figure will die. I feel like it’s easier to make people feel something when the feeling is bad. Also joyful things are sometimes thought to be lesser or simple.
If anyone is a fan of scifi I recommend checking out Becky Chambers. A Psalm for the Wild Built is an optimistic solar punk book that will warm your heart.