Baked Kitchari Casserole (Spiced Lentil Rice Casserole)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup red lentils split, masoor dal or a mix of split red lentils and petite yellow lentils, moong dal
• 1/2 cup basmati rice white
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups vegetables chopped, such as cauliflower, carrots, peas, green beans, corn, bell peppers, zucchini, etc
• 1 cup frozen spinach thawed
• 1 large tomato chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons spices choice, see notes for the spices that I usually use
• 4 cups water
• 3 cups rice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• cilantro optional
• lemon juice optional
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek leaves Kasoori methi
• 1 teaspoon paprika or kashmiri chili powder
• 2 teaspoons curry powder or 1 teaspoon garam masala
• basmati rice is what is traditionally used but you can make this with brown rice, see notes
• lentils – I use red lentils or a mix of split red lentils, masoor dal and petite yellow lentils, moong dal, see pics
• carrots
• peas
• green beans
• corn
• bell peppers
• zucchini
• veggies
• frozen spinach
• cauliflower
• fresh tomatoes are a great-add as they lend this some moisture and flavor
• coriander
• cumin
• cardamom
• black pepper
• cayenne
• fenugreek leaves
• paprika
• chili powder
• Garam Masala
• spices
• spices
• bay leaves