Lentils and Rice With Caramelized Onions

This can be served either warm or room temperature as an appetizer (good with toasted pita chips), or as a side to chicken. As suggested by some reviewers, add cumin and allspice to taste, if desired!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 6  large yellow onions
• 4 1⁄2 cups water
• 1 1⁄4 cups brown lentils
• 1 1⁄4 cups long-grain rice
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
•  plain yogurt

Directions

1. Peel and slice onions vertically.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Add onion; cover and cook 15 minutes or until soft, stirring occasionally.
4. Uncover and increase heat to medium; cook 25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and keep onions warm.
5. While onion cooks, bring water to a boil in a large saucepan.
6. Add lentils; return to a boil and reduce heat to keep at a low boil and cook 20 minutes.
7. Stir in 1/2 cup caramelized onion, rice, salt, and pepper. Cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 25 minutes, until lentils and rice are tender.
8. Spoon lentils and rice into a shallow dish; top with remaining onion.
9. Drizzle remaining oil over lentils. Serve with yogurt, if desired.