Lebanese Rishta with Lentils and Caramelized Onions

Name: Lebanese Rishta with Lentils and Caramelized Onions
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 cup green lentils; 4 cups water; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp salt; 4 large onions; 4 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp salt; 8 oz spaghetti or linguine; 6 cups water; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp turmeric

A traditional and hearty Lebanese pasta dish with lentils

Experience the authentic flavors of Lebanon with this comforting rishta combining lentils, pasta, and luscious caramelized onions.

1 h 45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Lentils

1 cup green lentils

rinsed

4 cups water

1 bay leaf

1/2 tsp salt

For the Caramelized Onions

4 large onions

thinly sliced

4 tbsp olive oil

1/4 tsp salt

For the Rishta (Pasta)

8 oz spaghetti or linguine

broken into thirds

6 cups water

1/2 tsp salt

For the Spices

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp turmeric

Preparation

Cooking the Lentils

Combine Ingredients

In a large pot, combine lentils, water, bay leaf, and salt.

Boil and Simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Cook Until Tender

Cook for about 25-30 minutes until tender. Remove bay leaf and set aside.

Caramelizing the Onions

Heat Oil and Add Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add sliced onions and salt, and stir to coat in oil.

Cook Slowly

Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized.

Ensure onions cook slowly over low heat to prevent burning. Pro Tip: Use a large, wide skillet for even caramelization.

Cooking Process

Boiling Pasta

In another pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil, add salt, then pasta. Cook until al dente.

Mixing Lentils and Pasta

Drain the pasta, then combine with cooked lentils and mix gently.

Spicing the Dish

Add cumin, coriander, black pepper, and turmeric to the lentils and pasta. Stir well to blend flavors.

Plating & Serving