Caramelized Onion Lentils and Rice Delight
This nourishing dish combines hearty lentils and rice with sweet, caramelized onions for a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Adapted from the beloved 'What to Cook' cookbook, it's a one-pot wonder that's not only satisfying but also flexible. Whether you're pairing it with fresh salads or creamy yogurt, it promises a burst of flavor in every bite. It's a perfect choice when you return home hungry, providing warmth and comfort in a rich, savory blend.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Medium onions
3 (Sliced)
Water
3.5 cups (N/A)
Lentils
1 cup (Rinsed)
Rice
1 cup (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and 1 teaspoon of cumin, sautéing until the onions are lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. For extra flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
2
Once the onions are lightly browned, remove approximately one-third of them from the skillet and set aside for later.
3
Continue to sauté the remaining onions until they are dark brown with some charred edges, which should take another 10 minutes.
4
While the onions are caramelizing, bring 3.5 cups of water to a boil in a separate saucepan. Add the lentils and reduce the heat to a low simmer, covering to cook for 15 minutes.
5
After the lentils have simmered, add the reserved lightly browned onions to the pot along with 1 cup of rice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cumin.
6
Cover the pot and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
7
Once cooking is complete, remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the well-browned onions from the skillet.
8
Allow the dish to sit covered for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
9
Serve the lentils and rice hot, garnished with fresh chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream. For an added touch, consider serving alongside sautéed or cooked spinach.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Onion Lentils and Rice Delight?
It is a nourishing one-pot dish that combines hearty lentils and rice with sweet, caramelized onions for a comforting, savory meal.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include olive oil, medium onions, lentils, rice, cumin, salt, and water.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian and is tagged as such.
How many onions do I need for this dish?
The recipe calls for 3 medium-sized onions, which should be sliced.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the onions.
When do I add the cumin?
One teaspoon of cumin is added while sautéing the onions, and the remaining teaspoon is added when you stir in the rice and salt.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, you can mix in minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of sautéing the onions for extra flavor.
How long should I sauté the onions initially?
Sauté the sliced onions for about 8-10 minutes until they are lightly browned.
Why do I set aside some of the onions?
One-third of the lightly browned onions are set aside to be added to the pot later for texture and flavor variation.
How long do the remaining onions cook?
After removing some onions, continue sautéing the rest for another 10 minutes until they are dark brown with charred edges.
How much water is used for the lentils and rice?
The recipe requires 3.5 cups of water.
What preparation do the lentils need?
The lentils should be rinsed before they are added to the boiling water.
How long do the lentils cook before adding the rice?
The lentils should simmer on low heat for 15 minutes before any other ingredients are added to the pot.
How much rice should I use?
The recipe requires 1 cup of rice.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How long does the rice take to cook?
Once the rice is added, cover the pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
When do I fold in the well-browned onions?
Fold in the dark, charred onions from the skillet once the rice and lentils have finished cooking and the pot is removed from the heat.
Is it necessary to let the dish rest?
Yes, allowing the dish to sit covered for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together.
What are the recommended garnishes for this meal?
Garnish the dish with fresh chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.
Can I serve this with side dishes?
Yes, it is excellent when served alongside sautéed or cooked spinach or fresh salads.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from the 'What to Cook' cookbook.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients listed: olive oil, onions, water, lentils, rice, salt, and cumin.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a one-pot wonder, though it uses a skillet for onions and a pot for the grains.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal choice featuring fiber-rich lentils.
What is the texture of the onions?
The dish features both lightly browned onions and dark brown onions with charred edges for a complex texture.
Can I substitute sour cream for yogurt?
Yes, the instructions suggest using either a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is a comforting, hearty meal that is perfect for hungry people returning home after a busy day.
What type of heat is used for the onions?
The onions should be sautéed over medium heat.
How much cumin is used in total?
A total of 2 teaspoons of cumin is used throughout the recipe.
Does the recipe include nutritional data?
The provided recipe data does not include specific calorie, fat, or protein counts.