Lentils With Bulgur Wheat And Caramelized Onions Recipes

LEBANESE LENTILS, RICE AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS (MUJADARA)

Steps:

• Throw the lentils into a medium saucepan. Fill with enough cold water to cover the lentils by about an inch. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then turn down to a simmer and cook until the lentils are tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, as the lentils cook, grab a large skillet. Pop it over medium-high heat and add the oil. Allow the oil to warm for a minute, then drop in the cumin seeds and cracked peppercorns and cook, shaking the pan once in a while until the cumin seeds darken a touch, about 1 minute.
• Add the onions, sprinkle with a dash of salt and cook until they turn dark caramel brown, stirring often. This will take about 15 minutes. Splash the onions with a little water if they stick to the bottom of the pan. You'll know they're done both by their deep chestnut color and by the slight crispiness developing on some of the onions.
• Using a slotted spoon or spatula, remove about half of the onions to a paper towel-lined plate; these are for garnish later. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, cayenne and then add the cinnamon stick; saute about 1 minute.
• Add the rice and cook, stirring often (but gently so you don't break the rice!) until some rice grains start to brown. Quickly, add the cooked lentils, 3 cups of water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt; bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low so that the pan is at a simmer, cover and cook 30 minutes. The water should be completely evaporated and rice should be tender. (If there's still too much water in the bottom, put the lid back on and cook for another 5 minutes.)
• Turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and allow the rice to steam undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts, if using, in a small skillet over medium-low heat, shaking often, about 5 minutes.
• Taste the rice for seasoning. Serve with the reserved caramelized onions, toasted pine nuts, if using, and a little squeeze of lemon juice. I also like to serve this with some dollops of Greek yogurt.

LENTILS WITH BULGUR WHEAT AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS - ... RECIPE

Steps:

• In a medium pot, combine the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and simmer until still firm and almost done, 15 to 18 minutes. Add the bulgur wheat and 1/2 teaspoon salt, cover, and remove from the heat. Let sit until the bulgur is tender and the water is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes, adding more water if the wheat seems dry. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring, until very soft, 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, cinnamon, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the lentil and bulgur wheat mixture and stir well to combine. Remove from the heat. In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized to a very dark brown color, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat. Transfer the lentil and bulgur wheat mixture to a platter and top with the caramelized onions. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, to taste. Serve either hot or at room temperature, with pita bread. For the Pita Breads: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup of the water. Set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes. Into a large bowl, sift 5 cups of the flour and the salt, and make a well in the center. Pour the yeast into the center well and mix the yeast into the flour, working in the remaining water. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead into a soft, pliable dough. Continue working the dough until it is smooth and shiny, 10 to 15 minutes, adding more flour as necessary. Knead 2 tablespoons of the oil into the dough and work the dough over itself into a smooth ball. Pour the remaining tablespoon of oil into a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, cover with a damp kitchen cloth, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees at least 30 minutes before baking. Lightly oil a heavy baking sheet. Punch down the dough and lightly knead for 2 minutes. Divide into 8 to 12 equal portions, depending upon your preference, and roll into balls. Flatten and roll with a rolling pin to about 1/4-inch thickness. Place on a lightly floured surface, cover with a lightly floured kitchen cloth and let rise until doubled in size, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden, about 5 minutes. Turn and bake on the second side, about 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on wire racks. Repeat with the remaining dough. (Makes 8 to 12 breads) This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings.