Description
A delicious and nutritious Lebanese dish featuring lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable stock or water
- 2 large onions, sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Place the rinsed lentils in a medium saucepan with the vegetable stock or water. Bring to a vigorous boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender yet firm. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
- In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them, stirring often, for about 15-20 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown and become caramelized.
- Set aside half of the caramelized onions for garnishing later. To the remaining onions in the skillet, add the cooked lentils, rinsed rice, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Pour in 2 cups of water or broth and bring the mixture back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid completely.
- Gently fluff the rice and lentils with a fork. Transfer the mixture to a serving platter, topping it with the reserved caramelized onions. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges.
Notes
- For an aromatic twist, add a dash of cinnamon or a bay leaf during the lentil cooking process.
- Swap the rice for quinoa for a gluten-free alternative, or incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: varies
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: varies
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lebanese Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions, Lentil and Rice Delight, Vegan Lebanese Dish