Mujadara – Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the olive oil in a large saut pan with fitting lid set over medium-low heat.
2. 2
   Add the onions and garlic, sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are golden and caramelized, about 30 minutes. Once the onions have reached a nice caramel color, remove about half of them from the pan and reserve them in a plate or bowl.
3. 3
   To the pan, add the rice and lentils and stir to combine with the onions; throw in the vegetable stock, water and spices, stir and bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer slowly until the rice and lentils are fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed, about 45 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Stir in chopped cilantro and lemon juice, adjust seasoning as needed.
6. 6
   Serve immediately, topped with some of the reserved caramelized onions and additional lemon and cilantro.