Lentils and Rice with Carmelized Onions

 This is the most delicious, homey and filling vegetarian dish! I absolutely love it.

Lentils and Rice with Carmelized Onions
(Adapted from here)

Caramelized Onions

• 1 1/2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Lentils and Rice

• 4 ½ cups water
• ½ medium red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 heaping teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf

Serve with fresh lemon and greek yogurt (optional)

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced red onion and minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the water, green lentils, and salt to the large pot. Bring to a boil.
3. Cover with lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. To make the caramelized onions, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over low heat in a large frying pan and add the onion slices, stirring occasionally until completely soft, dark brown, and caramelized. NOTE: This will take about 30-40 minutes. The onions should become very dark and tacky when finished. Stir often to avoid burning.
5. Add the rice, cumin, cinnamon, and bayleaf to the lentils. Stir.
6. Cook covered for about 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked. Remove the bay leaf and top with the carmelized onions. Serve with fresh lemon and Greek yogurt (Optional. I prefer just the lemon!)