Riz bil Adas
Lebanese Rice and Lentils
A simple yet deeply satisfying Lebanese comfort food, Riz bil Adas combines tender lentils and fluffy rice, crowned with a generous topping of deeply caramelized, crispy fried onions. It's a humble dish that proves deliciousness doesn't require complexity.
🧂 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
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
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
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
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
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.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- 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.