Ingredients and Weight:
- Lentils: 2 cups (dry)
- Long-grain Rice: 2 cups (dry)
- Onions: 3 large, sliced
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: a pinch
- Water: 4 cups
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 45 minutes
- Total: 60 minutes
Difficulty Level:
[Level 3] - Moderate. Requires attention to cooking rice and lentils separately but combined at the end.
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, soak the lentils in water for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, slice the onions and mince the garlic.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan and fry the onions until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Drain the lentils and add them to the pot along with the rice, remaining olive oil, salt, pepper, and 4 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer until the rice and lentils are cooked through.
- Fluff the rice and lentils with a fork and mix in the fried onions.
- Serve hot.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: approximately 450 per serving (assuming 8 equal portions)
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 12g (including 2g saturated fat)
Dish Characteristics:
- A traditional Middle Eastern dish that is hearty and vegetarian-friendly.
- The combination of lentils and rice provides a complete protein source.
- The fried onions add a crispy and flavorful element to the dish.
User Comments:
- "The flavors were spot on! The onions added a great crunch." - John Doe, New York
- "This dish was a hit with my family, especially the combination of lentils and rice." - Jane Smith, Los Angeles
- "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet it tastes so authentic." - Michael Johnson, San Francisco
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use dry lentils and soak them before cooking to ensure proper texture and cooking time.
- When frying the onions, keep the heat high to ensure they get crispy. However, be careful not to burn them.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste preferences. You can add more salt or pepper if desired.