Discover the comforting flavors of "Lentils, Rice, and Onions," a hearty dish celebrated for its simplicity and earthy richness. This nutritious recipe combines tender brown lentils and fluffy white rice, seasoned with aromatic ground cumin and a touch of black pepper for subtle warmth. The star of the dish is golden caramelized onions, cooked to perfection in olive oil, adding sweetness and depth to every bite. With only a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or as a nutritious vegetarian main course. Serve it warm, topped with extra caramelized onions for a stunning presentation and a final drizzle of olive oil for added indulgence.
Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils and cook for 15 minutes. They should be partially cooked but not fully tender. Drain and set aside.
While the lentils cook, peel and thinly slice the onions into half-moons.
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Reduce heat if needed to avoid burning. Once done, set half of the onions aside for garnishing.
In the same pot used for the lentils, combine the partially cooked lentils, white rice, 2 remaining cups of water, salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
Once cooked, fluff the lentil and rice mixture with a fork.
Serve the lentil and rice mixture on a platter, topped with the reserved caramelized onions for garnish. Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil for added flavor.
Calories |
954 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.0 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.0 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2402 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 115.6 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.6 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.9 g | ||
| Protein | 25.2 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 198 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1435 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.