This classic Middle Eastern dish combines humble ingredients—rice, lentils, and deeply caramelized onions—for an earthy, aromatic, and satisfying meal. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a hearty vegetarian option that’s budget-friendly and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 75g basmati rice
- olive oil
- 2 large onions, halved and sliced
- 100g Puy lentils
- 2 whole cloves garlic, skin on
- 200ml light chicken stock, boiling
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- To serve natural yogurt
Instructions
Steps:
- Put the basmati in a bowl, pour over boiling water from a kettle and leave to soak.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the onions and a large pinch of salt. Cook, stirring now and again until golden brown and caramelized (you can leave them cooking while you get on with the lentils).
- Put the lentils in a pan of cold water with the garlic, bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Drain then tip back into a clean pan.
- Drain the rice and add to the lentil pan with half the caramelized onions and the garlic squeezed out of its skin.
- Add the chicken stock and cumin with ½ tsp salt then bring everything to a simmer. Cook gently with a lid on for about 12-15 minutes, or until all the stock is absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir through the parsley and serve topped with the rest of the onions and some natural yogurt sprinkled with ground cumin.
