Lentils with Browned Onion and Garlic

Tonight I was looking for something fast as it's been a busy week, and so I decided to make this quick and easy lentil dish flavored with garlic and chilies, and topped with crispy slices of fried onion. It may be simple, but it isn't lacking in taste. Serve it with bread and lemon rice with toasted cashews for a satisfying light dinner.

Lentils with Browned Onion and Garlic

Recipe by Lisa Turner Adapted from Madhur Jaffrey's World Vegetarian: More Than 650 Meatless Recipes from Around the World Cuisine: Middle Eastern Published on May 26, 2007 Quick and easy garlic and chili flavored lentils topped with crispy fried onions Preparation: 5 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Print this recipe Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, cut into thin slices 1 dried whole red chili 1 to 2 fresh red chilies, seeded and chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed 2 1/2 cups water 1 teaspoon sea salt fresh ground black pepper Instructions: Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the onion and stir for 8 to 10 minutes or until the onion is reddish-brown and crisp. Remove the onion with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel to drain. Put the dried and fresh red chilies and garlic into the pan, followed immediately by the lentils and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover the pan and simmer the lentils gently for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are cooked. Season with salt and pepper. Scatter pieces of fried onion over each serving. Makes 2 to 4 servings