Lentils & Rice with Caramelized Onions

Name: Lentils & Rice with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients: 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, (chopped); 1 tsp. ground cumin; 1 tsp. sea salt; 1/2 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper; 1 cup uncooked Cajun Country Jasmine Rice, (rinsed and drained); 1 cup uncooked green or brown lentils; 1 cinnamon stick, (or 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon); 1 bay leaf; 3 cups water; Garnish options - parsley, green onion and/or lemon; 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil; 2 large yellow or white onions, (thinly sliced); Pinch of salt

This bold and hearty dish combines creamy lentils with Cajun Country Jasmine rice and silky caramelized onions for a satisfying vegetarian main or side dish.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Ingredients

For Lentils & Rice

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper
1 cup uncooked Cajun Country Jasmine Rice, rinsed and drained
1 cup uncooked green or brown lentils
1 cinnamon stick, or 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 bay leaf
3 cups water
Garnish options – parsley, green onion and/or lemon

For Caramelized Onions

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 large yellow or white onions, thinly sliced
Pinch of salt

Instructions

For Lentils & Rice

Prep lentils by rinsing, then soaking in a bowl of hot water for about 30 minutes.
In a wide, high sided skillet, sauté garlic in 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil for 3 minutes.
Add lentils, rice, cumin, salt & pepper, stirring for about 3-5 minutes to slightly toast. Add cinnamon stick, bay leaf and water and bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat and lightly simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice and lentils are tender. Remove lid and let rest for a minute before fluffing with a fork.

For Caramelized Onions

Heat oil in a pan over low heat. Add the onion slices and salt, stirring occasionally for about 30-35 minutes, until caramelized.

Notes

While rice and lentils are cooking, you can start caramelizing the onions.