Ingredients

6 tablespoons olive oil
1 large white onion , sliced into rings
1 1/3 cups uncooked green lentils
3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream ( optional )
Lentils and Rice with Fried Onions (Mujadarrah) is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has been around for ages, and every region has its own variation. It's a satisfying and filling dish that’s found its way into diets all around the world. It's a healthy and budget-friendly alternative to more costly meat-based dishes and can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The fragrance of fried onions makes it particularly appealing. It's a staple dish that goes well with side salads, pickles, or yogurt, and it's often served as a main course.

Instructions

1.Rinse the lentils and rice separately, and set them aside.
2.In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook them until they turn golden brown. Transfer onions to a paper towel and remove excess oil.
3.Add the remaining olive oil to the pot. Mix in the rice and sauté for 2 minutes while stirring continuously. Add 2.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook the rice until it is soft. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
4.In another pot, cook the lentils in 3 cups of water along with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer until the lentils are soft. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Drain any excess water from the lentils.
5.Combine the cooked rice and lentils into one pot. Mix everything together adding salt and pepper to taste. Top it with the fried onions and a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream, if desired.

PROS

Lentils and Rice with Fried Onions (Mujadarrah) is a healthy, rich, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and a perfect vegetarian meal option.
It’s one of the easiest and nutritious dishes to fix for an entire family, and it’s budget-friendly too.
It is a complete protein dish that is rich in fiber, iron, and vitamins.
Best of all, it doesn’t require fancy or expensive ingredients.

CONS

While it’s healthy and nutritious, this dish may not be particularly low in calories, and because it doesn’t have any acid, it can be a little bit bland for some.
It’s important to use high-quality ingredients to ensure that the flavors are rich and hearty.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is filled with health benefits. Lentils are a great source of dietary fiber, protein, Folate, and iron. They have been proven to help in weight loss and maintaining blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index. Rice is low-fat and gluten-free. It’s a great source of carbohydrates and has essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Onion is an excellent source of antioxidants and may help control blood sugar levels.

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