Middle Eastern Barley, Lentil, & Rice Casserole - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup dried lentils
1/2 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup long-grain rice
1/4 cup chopped dried apricot
1/2 cup raisins (I used golden sultanas)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried mint
pepper

Preparation

Heat oil in a medium-large saucepan (I used a 2Q pan and it was just right; I've also sauteed in water instead of oil).
Add onion and garlic; cook& stir 2 min.
Stir in cinnamon, sugar, and 4 c water.
Add lentils and barley.
Bring to boil on med heat; reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer gently for 20 min.
Add rice, apricots, raisins, and mint; stir.
Simmer, covered, 20 more min or until all the ingredients are tender and have absorbed the liquid.
Season to taste with pepper.