Lentils with Fried Onions
Transform simple staples into a delightfully hearty dish with this Lentils with Fried Onions recipe—a flavorful marriage of tender lentils and irresistibly crispy, golden-brown onions. Infused with aromatic cumin and coriander, this high-protein vegetarian recipe strikes the perfect balance of earthy, smoky, and savory notes. Perfect as a standalone meal or a versatile side, this dish comes together in just 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. A garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, while the caramelized onions lend a rich depth that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious option or a new twist on classic comfort food, this lentil recipe is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown or green lentils
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 large Yellow or white onion
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the lentils under cold water and pick out any debris or stones. Transfer them to a medium saucepan.
Add 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to the saucepan with the lentils. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
While the lentils cook, peel the onions and slice them thinly into rings or half-moons.
Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onions.
Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat to low if needed to prevent burning. Transfer the fried onions to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
In the same skillet, add the cumin, coriander, and black pepper to the remaining oil. Toast the spices for 1 minute over low heat to release their aroma.
Add the cooked lentils to the skillet with the spices and gently toss to combine and coat the lentils evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve the lentils warm, topped with the crispy fried onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy as a standalone dish or as a side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
212 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.2 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g | 10% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 502 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 5.7 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 62 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 329 mg | 7% | |
*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.
