Lebanese Lentils and Rice with Crisped Onions
Source Milk Street, May 2019 Special Equipment Large dutch oven 12" skillet A paper-towel-lined plate Kitchen towel Ingredients 5 cups water 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled 4 bay leaves 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin ½ teaspoons ground allspice 1 tablespoon salt ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black Pepper 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 medium yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced Preparation Water and Spices In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, combine: 5 cups water garlic bay leaves cumin allspice salt pepper Add Lentils Bring to a boil, then add lentils. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat to maintain a simmer until lentils are softened but still quite firm at the center- about 10 minutes. Add Rice Stir in rice, return to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the lentils and rice are tender- about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, cook onions In a 12" skillet, heat oil until shimmering. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally at first and then more frequently once browning begins, until the onions are deeply caramelized and crisped- about 10 to 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the onions to a paper-towel-lined plate, spread thin and evenly. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and set aside. Finish Once the lentils and rice are tender, remove from heat, uncover, lay a kitchen towel over the pot, and place the cover over the towel for 10 minutes. Remove cover and towel, fluff with a fork. Discard bay leaves. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in half the scallions. Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the onions and remaining scallions. Serve.