Mujadarra - Arabic Lentils, Rice, and Onions

Mujadarra is a dish that is popular throughout the Arab world. It was a dish that my mother used to serve us frequently when I was a child. It consists primarily of lentils, rice, and onions, and can include a variety of spices. It is easy to prepare, but takes about an hour 25 minutes to complete. The recipe I used was a highly rated one from allrecipes.com. The original recipe serves 6. I scaled it down to serve 2.  (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/214780/mujaddara-arabic-lentil-rice/)

Ingredients

a. For first stage of cooking
- 1/3 cup dry lentils, rinsed. (I used green lentils)
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

b. For second stage of cooking
- 1/4 cup white rice, rinsed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil

c. Ingredients for third stage of cooking
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 white onion sliced into 1/4 inch rings

Directions

1. Combine the lentils, 2/3 cup of water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cumin, and garlic powder in a pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low, and cook until the lentils begin to soften - 20 t 30 minutes.

2. Stir in the rice, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and olive oil in with the lentils. Cover the pot and continue cooking until the lentils and rice are tender, about 40 minutes.

3. About 12 minutes before the lentils and rice are done, heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onions in the oil until browned, 7 to 10 minutes. 

4. Spread the onions over the lentil - rice mixture, and serve.