A delightful twist on a classic Mediterranean dish, this recipe combines lentils and rice with aromatic spices for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Peel and thinly slice the onions.
Use a sharp knife to achieve even slices, which will cook uniformly.
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown.
Patience is key; cook the onions slowly to develop their natural sweetness.
Rinse the lentils and rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Rinsing removes excess starch from the rice and any debris from the lentils.
In a large pot, combine the lentils, water, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
Keep the pot partially covered to prevent boiling over.
Add the rice, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the lentils. Stir gently, cover, and simmer on low heat for another 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Avoid stirring too much to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
Serve the lentil and rice mixture topped with the caramelized onions.
Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for added richness and flavor.