ngredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, or more to taste

1 onion, finely chopped
salt to taste
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
8 cups water

3/4 cup red lentils

1/4 cup white rice
1/4 cup fine bulgur
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
2 teaspoons crushed dried mint

Directions
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and salt; cook and stir until
softened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat and add cayenne; stir for 30 seconds. Stir
in tomato paste for 20 seconds. Pour in water.
2. Increase heat to high and stir lentils, rice, bulgur, garlic, and mint into the pot.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover partially and cook, stirring
occasionally, until lentils are very soft, about 35 minutes.