Casserole:

• 2 tsp neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
• 1 bay leaf
• garlic powder
• cayenne pepper
• garam masala or use biryani masala spice blend, or berbere, or use spice mix from the notes, spice; 1.5 to 2 tsp garam masala + 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 cup brown lentils washed and picked for stones, uncooked
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp onion flakes or 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh onion
• 1/2 cup spinach optional, packed, chopped or rainbow chard
• 2 tomato sliced (1/8 to 1/4 inch, medium
• 1/2 cup basmati rice washed and drained (I used white Basmati rice, uncooked or other long grain rice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 cloves Optional
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 1/4 cups water divided

Dumplings:

• 3/4 cup chickpea flour
• 1/3 to 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garam masala or use 1/4 tsp each of ground cumin and coriander
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup coconut milk full fat
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
• 1/2 cup onion red, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro finely chopped, lightly packed
• cilantro for garnish
• lemon juice for garnish