Persian Rice With Mung Beans (Maash Polow) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dried mung beans, picked over and washed
1 1/2 cups basmati rice, washed and drained
1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
1/3 teaspoon turmeric
1 pinch ground cumin
water
oil or butter
sea salt
thick yogurt, to serve (or Mast-O Khiar, Persian Yogurt and Cucumber Dip such as Mast-O Khiar (Persian Yogurt and Cucumber Dip))
date syrup, to serve (Dibis in Arabic, found in Middle Eastern or health food stores)

Preparation

In a medium pot, place the beans and add 3-4 cups of water over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook on medium to low heat for about 30-40 minutes until the beans are soft.
In the meantime, in a non-stick heavy bottom pot with a tight fitting lid, heat 4 tablespoons of oil or butter and saute the chopped onions until they turn golden, add turmeric and cumin. Stir thoroughly.
Add the mung beans to the onions, mix gently and cook them together for 5-7 minutes.
Add the rice to the pot and enough water to cook the type and amount of rice you use. Add sea salt to taste. Bring to a boil, place a clean soft kitchen cloth between the lid and the pot to absorb the excess moisture and close the lid tightly. (I didn't do this part).
Cook for 30 minutes on low heat.
Serve warm on a platter with plain yogurt dibis, date syrup or Mast-O Khiar - Persian Yogurt and Cucumber Dip such as recipe#252416.
Enjoy!