Heat
large soup pot to medium high. Add olive oil and heat
garlic and onions until they are soft (about 2 - 3 minutes).
Add other ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat
and simmer uncovered on low heat for ~ 20 minutes until
lentils are tender. (Here is the point where I then added
the already cooked rice and spinach.) Add a bit more water
if you would like it more like a soup rather than a thick
stew. Variation:
add about 1/3 cup of dried fruit like golden raisins or
cherries.
I
served this with a large salad made of fresh greens, tomatoes,
and avocados, whole grain bread, and fresh fruit for a
complete meal.