MUJADARA (RICE & LENTILS) TOPPED WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

 MUJADARA (RICE & LENTILS) TOPPED WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

INGREDIENTS: 2 CUPS BASMATI RICE, 1 CUP RED OR BLONDE LENTILS, 4 CLOVES GARLIC, 1 TBS CUMIN, 2 BAY LEAVES, 1 TBS SALT AND PEPPER

ONION MIX: SLICED RED AND WHITE ONION, 1/4 CUP LIGHT OLIVE OIL, 6 CLOVES OF GARLIC SLICED

GARNISH: 1/2 CUP CILANTRO AND PARSLEY, 2 CHOPPED SCALLIONS

PUT 5 CUPS OF WATER IN A PAN, ADD CRUSHED  GARLIC, CUMIN, SALT, PEPPER AND BAY LEAVES AND BRING TO A BOIL.

ADD RICE AND COOK FOR 10 MINUTES ON LOW.

 ADD LENTILS AND SIMMER FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. IF YOU NEED MORE LIQUID, ADD MORE WATER AND A LITTLE OLIVE OIL. ALSO TAKE A TASTE AT THIS POINT AND SEE IF YOU WANT MORE SALT & PEPPER OR EVEN A LITTLE CAYENNE.

IN A SEPARATE PAN, ADD ONION MIX TOGETHER AND COOK ABOUT HALF HOUR.

WHEN RICE MIX DONE, REMOVE BAY LEAVES, TOP WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS AND FRESH HERB MIX

IT'S FLAVORFUL, NUTRITIOUS AND A GREAT SIDE DISH!