Mujadara (Richard Joseph)

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup lentils
Vegetable oil
3 medium onions, sliced
2 cups short-grain white rice, well washed
3 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper

CARAMELISED ONIONS
1/4 tsp salt
3 medium onions, sliced
Vegetable oil for frying

METHOD:

Place the lentils in a saucepan of cold water and bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer until lentils are half cooked. Drain and set aside.
At the same time, heat a saucepan, add a little oil and brown onions over a high heat. Add the washed rice and the water that has just boiled. Stir in the half cooked lentils and the salt. Bring to the boil, turn down to the lowest possible heat and simmer very gently for 20 minutes.
Turn heat off and let the mixture sit for another 20minutes. It is important not to lift the lid at this stage. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Serve topped with caramelised onion.
To make the caramelised onion, sprinkle the sliced onions with salt and toss well. Heat a good amount of oil in a frying pan, add the onion and cook, stirring regularly, until well browned. Drain on paper towels.