Instead of rice or wheat, you might like to vary the dish with couscous or small pasta shapes. Another celebrated dish from the land of the Bible is cholent or hamin, one of the most popular specialties of Jewish cooking. Although not quick, it is convenient, as the ingredients are simply combined and stew slowly overnight. Because a great variety of beans and flavorings are used, the much-loved entree comes out differently in each home. For this recipe use the common brown or green lentils.
Orange lentils tend to cook to a puree and are mostly used for soups.
To save time, use canned beans instead, following the variation. You can add canned chickpeas or other beans to the cooked rice. Flavoring this medley with browned onions is a time-honored tradition among the peoples of the Mediterranean. If you like, add a diced red bell pepper to the pan along with the onion. Serve this as a hearty side dish with chicken, meat or fish.