To cook the brown rice, bring 2½ cups of water, 1 Tablespoon olive oil & a pinch of salt to a boil. Add rice and cover. Reduce heat to low and set a timer for 45 minutes. Check rice to see if water is absorbed and then recover and take off heat. Allow to sit undisturbed for at least 10-15 minutes.
In another saucepan, combine 2 cups water with lentils and other ingredients through chili powder and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until lentils are just done.
Stir in tomato paste and season to taste with salt & pepper.
Serve lentils atop rice with cooking liquid poured over the top.
Recipe by My Earth Garden at http://www.myearthgarden.com/2015/08/lentils-with-brown-rice/