If using dried lentils, place lentils in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring lentils and water to a boil and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the lentils have softened but are still firm to the bite. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.

Line a colander with a couple of paper towels and set aside.

Place the sliced onions on a plate and sprinkle with the flour and 1 tsp. of salt, mixing well with your hands until the onions are evenly dusted with the flour (they will get a little gummy and thats ok). In a large saucepan, heat the canola oil over high heat until it is hot. Test the oil by placing a small piece of onion in the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles then the oil is hot enough! Place a large handful of the onions in the oil and reduce the heat to medium high - you want the onions to sizzle but not burn. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes or until the onions are golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, remove the onions from the oil and place in the paper lined colander. Repeat with the remaining onions. Sprinkle onions with a little salt and set aside.

Pour out the remaining oil from the saucepan and add the cumin and coriander seeds. Cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the seeds - being careful not to burn them! Add the rice, olive oil, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, sugar, white pepper and a large pinch of salt. Stir to coat the rice with the oil. Add the water and the lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Remove the pan from the heat and remove the lid and cover the pan with a clean dishtowel and place the lid back on top - let sit for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and the towel and add half of the fried onions. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve on individual plates/bowls or in a large serving dish topped with the remaining onions.