Caramelized Onion and Lentil Pilaf
Indulge in the hearty and flavorful Caramelized Onion and Lentil Pilaf, a classic Middle Eastern dish known as Mujadara. This recipe brings together earthy green lentils, nutty brown basmati rice, and sweet caramelized onions, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. It's not only nutritious but also vegan-friendly, making it a delightful choice for everyone at the table. From the rich aroma of sautéed onions to the satisfying texture of lentils and rice, this dish promises to be a favorite family staple. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or yogurt for a complete dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
sweet onions
2 medium (finely chopped)
green lentils
1 cup (rinsed)
brown basmati rice
1/2 cup (rinsed)
water
2 cups (for cooking)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet onions and sauté them gently until they become soft and golden brown, about 50 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2
While the onions are caramelizing, rinse the green lentils under cold water. In a separate saucepan, place the lentils and add enough water to cover them by an inch. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the lentils for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Drain the lentils and set them aside.
4
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add the rinsed brown basmati rice, cooked lentils, salt, and 2 cups of water to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and allow the dish to simmer for 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
6
Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the pilaf with a fork before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Onion and Lentil Pilaf?
Commonly known as Mujadara, this is a classic Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice, and sweet caramelized onions.
What are the main ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients are olive oil, sweet onions, green lentils, brown basmati rice, water, and salt.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Caramelized Onion and Lentil Pilaf is entirely vegan-friendly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including lentils and rice, are naturally gluten-free.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
It takes approximately 50 minutes to sauté the sweet onions until they reach a soft, golden brown state.
What type of lentils should I use for this pilaf?
Green lentils are recommended because they hold their shape well after cooking.
How long should the lentils be pre-cooked?
Lentils should be simmered for about 20 minutes until tender but still firm before being added to the rice.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses brown basmati rice, which provides a nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
Do I need to rinse the rice and lentils?
Yes, both the green lentils and the brown basmati rice should be rinsed under cold water before cooking.
How much water is required for the final cooking step?
You will need 2 cups of water to cook the rice and lentils together in the skillet.
How long does the rice and lentil mixture need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered for 40 minutes on low heat until the liquid is absorbed.
What is the purpose of letting the dish rest after cooking?
Resting the dish for 5 minutes allows the moisture to redistribute, making the rice easier to fluff.
How should the onions be prepared?
The sweet onions should be finely chopped before they are sautéed in olive oil.
What temperature should I use to sauté the onions?
Onions should be sautéed over medium heat to prevent burning while they caramelize.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil for sautéing the onions.
What can I serve with Mujadara?
It is traditionally served with a fresh salad or a side of yogurt for a complete meal.
Can I use red lentils instead of green lentils?
Red lentils are not recommended as they break down too easily; green lentils are better for the texture of a pilaf.
How do I fluff the pilaf?
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice and lentils once they have finished resting.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious meal rich in fiber from the lentils and brown rice.
How many onions do I need?
You will need 2 medium-sized sweet onions.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can add it to taste.
Can I substitute water with broth?
Yes, using vegetable broth instead of water can add extra depth of flavor to the dish.
Should I stir the onions while they cook?
Yes, stir the onions occasionally during the 50-minute sauté to ensure they cook evenly.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender lentils and rice with a rich, soft texture from the caramelized onions.
How much dry lentils are needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of green lentils.
How much dry rice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of brown basmati rice.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this pilaf stores well and can be easily reheated for future meals.
What makes sweet onions a good choice for this recipe?
Sweet onions have a higher sugar content which helps them caramelize beautifully for a sweet flavor.
Can I add other spices?
While this recipe is simple, many people enjoy adding cumin, cinnamon, or coriander to customize the flavor.
Is the skillet covered during the final simmer?
Yes, cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam and cook the rice and lentils properly.