pilaf:

2-3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 fresh bay leaves, slightly torn and bruised
3 cups short-grained brown rice
more than enough water to cover rice -figure on about 3 1/2 cups
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Lentils:
2 cups French green or Black Beluga lentils
2 cups cold water
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium to large onions, halved lengthwise
1-3 large shallots, thinly sliced vertically--the more the better
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch salt
1 dash freshly ground pepper
Plain or Goat's milk yogurt for garnish
sliced scallions for garnish