Spiced Red Lentil Dal with Fried Egg over Rice

Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until all water is absorbed and rice is tender.

Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Cut the tomatoes into small dice.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add the minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking them down with a spoon until they release their juices.

Add the rinsed lentils and the water or chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

Increase heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are completely soft and the dal has thickened.

Stir in the salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the dal is too thick, add a splash of water and stir.

Heat the sunflower oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.

Crack each egg carefully into the pan, spacing them apart. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the whites are fully set and the edges are crispy golden.

Carefully flip each egg and cook for 30-60 seconds on the other side for over-easy with runny yolk, or cook 1-2 minutes longer if you prefer a firmer yolk.

Remove from heat.

Divide the fluffy rice evenly among four bowls.

Ladle a generous portion of the warm spiced dal over each bowl of rice.

Top each bowl with one fried egg, placing it right in the center of the dal.

Serve immediately while the egg yolk is runny, mixing it into the dal as you eat.