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Vegetarian, Busy evenings

Lentil and rice with caramelized onions

Lentil and rice with caramelized onions is a vegetarian, Lebanese inspired dish for 4 people, ready in 50 minutes, at an easy skill level, for about €1.40 per person. Its success relies on cooking the onions very slowly until deeply browned, and on the fresh yogurt served alongside, which balances the richness.

A trip to Lebanon with this lentil rice crowned with caramelized onions, it's simple, filling, and nearly free.

Lentil and rice with caramelized onions
Total time
50 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€1.40
Calories per person
470 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter
The kids
They generally like it

This dish plays on a simple contrast, the soft tenderness of the rice and lentils against the sweet bite of caramelized onions. Cumin and cinnamon warm the whole thing quietly, never taking over. A spoonful of Greek yogurt on top brings the freshness that such a dense dish would otherwise lack.

It's a weeknight recipe, the kind that fills up the whole family without emptying your wallet. Kids often like it plain, with just a bit of yogurt, while adults pile on extra onions. It also works on a Sunday when you don't feel like fussing, the only real wait being for the onions to turn golden.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Green lentilsoften in the pantry 200 g
  • Basmati riceoften in the pantry 200 g
  • Ground cuminoften in the pantry 2 tsp
  • Cinnamonoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 6 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onions 4
  • Parsley 1 sprigs

Dairy

  • Greek yogurt 4 cup

Allergens Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Cook the lentils in unsalted water until almost tender. 15 min

    Salt only at the end of cooking, salt toughens the lentil skins.

  2. Thinly slice the onions and cook them in four tablespoons of oil over low heat until browned and caramelized. 25 min

    A pinch of salt added early draws out their moisture and speeds up caramelization.

  3. Add the rinsed rice, cumin, cinnamon, and half the onions to the lentils, cover with water and salt.

    The water should sit a good finger width above the rice, it will absorb a lot of it.

  4. Cover and cook over low heat until all the water is absorbed. 18 min

    Don't lift the lid during cooking, the steam finishes the job.

  5. Serve the rice topped with the remaining onions, parsley, and a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

    The cool yogurt cuts through the richness of the dish, don't skip it.

Our tips to get it right

  • Slice the onions into even strips so they caramelize at the same pace, instead of ending up with some pieces burnt and others still raw.
  • Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear, it loses its surface starch and the finished dish turns out less sticky.
  • Taste the rice and lentil mixture before covering it for the final cook, it's the right moment to adjust the salt once and for all.

The variations

  • Swap the green lentils for red lentils, the dish cooks a bit faster and turns out creamier.
  • Add cooked chickpeas along with the rice for a heartier meal with more texture.
  • For rushed kids, skip the cinnamon and serve the onions blended into a bit of yogurt instead.

What to serve it with

  • A fresh cucumber and tomato salad
  • Warm pita bread
  • Mint tea

Storage

This lentil and rice dish keeps for 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well, without the yogurt, for up to 2 months. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water so it doesn't dry out, then add fresh yogurt right before serving.

Questions about this dish

Can you use a different rice instead of basmati?

Yes, regular long grain rice works too, but basmati stays more fragrant and fluffier once cooked. Avoid short grain rice, it turns too sticky for this dish.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the lentils and caramelize the onions a day ahead, then finish the rice right before serving. The full dish also tastes good reheated the next day.

How do you keep the onions from burning instead of caramelizing?

Keep the heat low the whole time and stir regularly without rushing. If they start sticking, add a splash of water instead of raising the heat.

Can you make this dish dairy free?

Yes, swap the Greek yogurt for a thick plain plant based yogurt. It keeps the same fresh balance against the rice and onions.

How long does it take to make a lentil and rice dish with caramelized onions and yogurt?

Count 50 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a lentil and rice dish with caramelized onions and yogurt?

About 470 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a lentil and rice dish with caramelized onions and yogurt cost?

About €1.40 per serving, or €5.60 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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