Description
A filling and nutritious Mediterranean dish featuring lentils and basmati rice, enhanced with caramelized onions and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans lentils (15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
- 1½ cups cooked basmati rice (or ½ cup uncooked rice)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 onions (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar/maple syrup)
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (or cilantro)
- 1 large lemon (for serving)
- optional: Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt along with 1 tablespoon of honey. Cook for 10-13 minutes until soft and caramelized, adding ½ cup of water halfway through to aid in cooking.
- Stir in grated garlic, paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Toast for about a minute until fragrant and the spices bloom.
- Add lentils, cooked rice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, more parsley, and Greek yogurt if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure onions are cooked slowly for proper caramelization to avoid bitterness. Honey enhances flavor and aids caramelization.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 16g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg