CHICKEN AND LENTIL RICE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a skillet.
• Once its hot, toss in 1 onion and stir-fry till it is golden brown.
• Add the chicken breasts, cover and cook over low heat until done.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
• Mix well.
• In another pan, heat a tbsp.
• of oil and fry the second onion in it until it turns golden.
• Add dates and raisins.
• Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
• Mix in the saffron.
• Keep aside.
• Strain the lentils now and keep aside until you are ready to mix them with the rice later.
• Now start preparing the rice.
• To do so, bring 8 cups of water to a rapid boil in a pot.
• Drain out the water from the soaked rice completely.
• Add the drained rice to the boiling water.
• Bring the rice to a boil for 3 minutes.
• After checking whether the rice is cooked, strain the rice and rinse it with lukewarm water in a strainer.
• Bring 1/4 cup of water and 2 tbsps.
• of oil to a rapid bowl in a pot.
• Add layers of rice and lentils, alternately, building these layers up to a dome shape.
• The last layer should be of rice.
• Poke 5-6 holes through the rice to the bottom with the handle of a spoon.
• Close the lid.
• Heat on medium flame for 3 minutes until the rice starts steaming.
• In a separate pot, heat another 1/4 cup of water and 2 tbsps.
• of oil.
• Pour over the rice.
• Cover the saucepan with a lid.
• Seal the lid over the saucepan with atta dough.
• Lower heat and cook for 45 minutes on a simmer.
• Remove from heat and place the saucepan in the sink.
• Run cold water under it to cool it down.
• Remove/break the wheat flour{Atta} seal.
• To serve: Very carefully and gently, remove the lentil rice and sprinkle lightly in a serving dish in a dome shape.
• Spread the mixture of dates and raisins over the rice.
• Spread the chicken on top.
• Remove the crusty bottom and spread in a separate plate.
• Enjoy!