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Lentils & Rice with Crispy Onions (Mujadara)

  • 1 cup green lentils, sorted and rinsed
  • ΒΌ cup olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup basmati rice, soaked in water for 15 minutes and then drained
  • black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Parsley, for garnish
  • Olive Oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, cut in half and then in very thin rings

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Place the lentils in a small saucepan with 2 cups of the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat and simmer, cover until the lentils are par-boiled (10-12 minutes). Remove from the heat, drain the lentils and set them aside.
  • In a large saute pan with a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until the onions are dark golden brown, darker than typical caramelized onions (about 40 minutes), sprinkle the onions with a teaspoon of salt as they cook.
  • Carefully pour the remaining 2 cups of water, bring the water to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir the rice and par-cooked lentils into the onion mixture. Add a good dash of kosher salt, black pepper, and the cumin.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice and lentils are both cooked through (about 15 to 20 minutes).
  • If you are adding the the fried onions, work on them while the rice and lentils are cooking. In a large skillet, heat about 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. When a small piece of onion bubbles vigorously, the oil is ready. Fry the onions in batches until they are crispy and deeply golden brown. Transfer the crispy onion rings to a paper towel-lined plate to get rid of excess oil.

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