Rice and Lentil Stew with Olive Gremolata

• Recipe by Marcia Kiesel

Similar to Risi e Bisi, the porridgelike Venetian dish of rice and peas, this satisfying vegetarian stew is a great way to use arborio or other medium-grain Italian rice, and it's easier than risotto.

Ingredients

1. 2 quarts water
2. 1/2 cup French or Italian green lentils
3. Salt
4. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
5. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
6. 1 shallot, minced
7. 3/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
8. 2 thyme sprigs
9. 1 bay leaf
10. 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
11. 1 cup Italian medium-grain rice (6 1/2 ounces), such as arborio
12. 16 Gaeta or Calamata olives (1 ounce), pitted and chopped
13. 2 garlic cloves, minced
14. 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
15. 4 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce (about 1/2 head)
16. 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of the water to a boil. Add the lentils, cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until almost tender, about 30 minutes. Add a large pinch of salt and simmer until tender, about 3 minutes longer. Drain the lentils and spread them on a plate to cool.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium, enameled cast-iron casserole. Add the onion and shallot and cook over low heat, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups of the water, 1/4 cup of the parsley, the thyme, bay leaf and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over moderately low heat for 15 minutes. Add the peas, rice and the remaining 1 quart of water. Cover and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. 
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss the olives with the garlic, lemon zest and the remaining 1/2 cup of parsley. Season the gremolata with salt. 
4. Gently stir the lentils into the stew. Add the romaine and crushed red pepper, cover and cook over low heat until the lettuce is wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls, top with the olive gremolata and serve.