Mujadara - Lentils and Rice with crispy onions

Mujadara (mujaddara) is a signature Middle Eastern dish of lentils and rice garnished with crispy onions. 

Lentils and rice do not make for a fancy meal and the mujadara is very simply spiced with salt and pepper. The main flavor maker here is onions, fried to the point of dark golden brown. This is what gives the rice the beautiful depth, both in color and taste. Served with a a fresh and colourful mediteranian salad this dish makes a very satisfying lunch or light dinner option. 

Recipe source: The Mediteranian Dish - www.themediterraneandish.com

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup small brown lentils, sorted and rinsed
4 cups water, divided
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, more for later
2 large yellow onions, diced (4 cups)
1 tsp salt, more to taste
1 cup long-grain white rice, soaked in water for 10-15 minutes and then drained
black pepper
Parsley or parsley flakes for garnish

FOR THE FRIED CRISPY ONION GARNISH (OPTIONAL)

Oil for frying
1 large yellow onion cut 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. Cover and bring back to a boil. Stir in a healthy pinch of salt and the black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice and lentils are both cooked through (about 20 minutes). Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the Mujadara hot or at room temprature with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and parsley garnish, if you like.

If you are adding the the fried onions, heat the oil over medium-high heat (to 375 degrees F) in a saucepan. When a small piece of onion bubbles vigorously, the oil is ready. Fry the onions in batches until they are golden brown. Transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined plate or try, and then arrange them on top of the Mjuadara.

Add a side of salad like a colourful mediteranian salad, if you like. Enjoy!