Rice with Lentils and Caramelized Onion
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A simple Arabic dish. I started from the Mujaddara recipe, but I added some of my Turkish spice mix and a little feta cheese to contrast with the caramelized onion. I used green lentils from Englouvi. It is a type of lentil that grows only on the island of Lefkada, it is small, floury and holds its shape very well when cooked. It has a slightly peppery smell and taste.
Ingredients
150 g long grain rice (basmati)
120 g green lentils (or Le Puy lentils or black Beluga lentils)
2 onions (about 200 g)
100 g sheep feta cheese (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Turkish spice mix
4 sprigs parsley
2 tablespoons oil
salt
Servings: 4
How to prepare rice with lentils and caramelized onion
- Cook the rice in salted water according to the time indicated on the package. When cooked, drain well.
- Cook the lentils in water until done (about 30 minutes). Add salt in the last 10 minutes. Drain well and add to the rice.
- Slice the onion into not too thick slices. Put them in a wide pan in the hot oil. Sprinkle a little salt over the onion. Turn the heat to low and saute the onion for about 15 minutes until very soft and slightly yellowish. During this time, stir occasionally. Turn the heat to medium and continue sauteing for about 10 more minutes, until the onion becomes golden brown. During this time, stir frequently and do not take your eyes off it so you do not burn it. Remove the onion and add it to the rice.
* if you will not use feta cheese, add the Turkish spice mix over the onion, 30 seconds before removing it from the heat - Mix the rice with the lentils and onion and adjust the salt. Put the lid on the pot and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- If using feta cheese, crumble it and lightly knead it with your fingers together with the Turkish spice mix and chopped parsley. If not, just chop the parsley.
- Serve the rice with lentils and onion sprinkled with the seasoned feta cheese. If you did not use feta cheese, just sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Caramelizing the onion...
...until it looks like this
Cooked rice and lentils
Rice with Lentils and Caramelized Onion
