Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions)

Ingredients (14)

• 4 medium cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 3/4 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cups water
• 1 cup brown* basmati rice (regular, not quick-cooking), rinsed and drained
• 1 cup regular brown or green lentils**, picked over for debris, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 medium-to-large yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions (from 1 bunch), divided
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, divided
• Plain whole-milk or Greek yogurt, for serving
• Spicy sauce, for serving (optional): shatta or zhoug or store-bought chili-garlic sauce or even sriracha