Riz bil Adas (Lebanese Rice and Lentils)

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown or green lentils(Rinse well. Brown or green lentils hold their shape best.)
• 1 cup Long-grain white rice(Such as Basmati or Jasmine. Rinse until water runs clear.)
• 3 medium Yellow onions(Thinly sliced.)
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1/2 cup Olive oil(Or vegetable oil, for frying the onions. You may need more.)
• 3 cups Water or vegetable broth(For cooking lentils and rice.)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the crispy onions: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes. The onions should gradually turn golden brown and then deep golden-brown. Be patient; this slow caramelization is key to their sweetness and crispiness. Once they are deeply colored and starting to crisp, reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until they are uniformly dark golden-brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the onions with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Set aside.

   ⏱️ 20-25 minutes
2. 2

   Cook the lentils: Carefully pour out most of the oil from the pot, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Return the pot to medium heat. Add the rinsed lentils and 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape (al dente). They should not be mushy.

   ⏱️ 20 minutes
3. 3

   Add rice and seasonings: Stir the rinsed rice, cumin, salt, and pepper into the pot with the cooked lentils. Add the remaining 1 cup of water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Simmer and steam: Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.

   ⏱️ 20 minutes
5. 5

   Rest and serve: Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy. Fluff the rice and lentil mixture gently with a fork. Serve warm, generously topped with the crispy fried onions. Traditionally served with plain yogurt or a simple cucumber and yogurt salad.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓The key to amazing Riz bil Adas is the crispy fried onions. Don't rush this step and aim for a deep golden-brown color for maximum flavor.
• ✓Rinsing both the lentils and the rice is crucial for removing excess starch, which prevents them from becoming gummy.
• ✓For an even richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water.
• ✓This dish is often called 'poor man's rice' due to its simple, inexpensive ingredients, but it's a beloved staple for everyone.

🔄 Variations

• For a variation similar to Mujadara, you can use bulgur wheat instead of rice.
• Add toasted vermicelli noodles to the rice mixture before cooking for added texture and flavor.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving