Lentils with Fried Onions
Transform simple staples into a delightfully hearty dish with this Lentils with Fried Onions recipe—a flavorful marriage of tender lentils and irresistibly crispy, golden-brown onions. Infused with aromatic cumin and coriander, this high-protein vegetarian recipe strikes the perfect balance of earthy, smoky, and savory notes. Perfect as a standalone meal or a versatile side, this dish comes together in just 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. A garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness, while the caramelized onions lend a rich depth that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious option or a new twist on classic comfort food, this lentil recipe is sure to impress!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown or green lentils
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 large Yellow or white onion
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the lentils under cold water and pick out any debris or stones. Transfer them to a medium saucepan.
Step 2
Add 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to the saucepan with the lentils. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
Step 3
While the lentils cook, peel the onions and slice them thinly into rings or half-moons.
Step 4
Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onions.
Step 5
Cook the onions, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat to low if needed to prevent burning. Transfer the fried onions to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6
In the same skillet, add the cumin, coriander, and black pepper to the remaining oil. Toast the spices for 1 minute over low heat to release their aroma.
Step 7
Add the cooked lentils to the skillet with the spices and gently toss to combine and coat the lentils evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 8
Serve the lentils warm, topped with the crispy fried onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy as a standalone dish or as a side.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1528.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 873.8 |
| Total Fat 58.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 8.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2411.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 71.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 22.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 16.4g | |
| Protein 22.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 208.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1262.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories