Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

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.