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Lebanese Lentil and Bulgur Salad

A hearty Lebanese grain salad of cooked green lentils and bulgur wheat tossed with caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon-cumin dressing. Inspired by mujaddara, served at room temperature.

45 minEasyServes 4240 cal/serving

LebaneseSaladStovetopVeganMediterraneanHigh FiberHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup medium bulgur wheat
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse 1 cup green or brown lentils and place in a saucepan with 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. In the last 10 minutes stir in 1/2 cup medium bulgur wheat and cook until both are tender and liquid is absorbed. Spread on a baking sheet to cool.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, heat half of the 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add 1 thinly sliced large yellow onion and cook 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

  4. 4

    Add the cooled lentil-bulgur mixture to the bowl and toss with the dressing. Fold in the caramelized onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, and 4 thinly sliced scallions.

  5. 5

    Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate up to 2 days.

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Questions

How long does Lebanese Lentil and Bulgur Salad take?

As written, 45 minutes: 15 of prep and 30 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (25 minutes): "Add 1 thinly sliced large yellow onion and cook 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized."

How do I know when Lebanese Lentil and Bulgur Salad is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 2: cook until deeply golden and caramelized.

Can I make Lebanese Lentil and Bulgur Salad gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Lebanese Lentil and Bulgur Salad is 1/2 cup medium bulgur wheat. Swap the grain for cooked rice or quinoa (the chew will differ). Everything else proceeds as written.

How many calories are in Lebanese Lentil and Bulgur Salad?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 240 calories, with 14 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate and 9 g fat, plus 7 g fiber and 620 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Can I make Lebanese Lentil and Bulgur Salad ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. The base of Lebanese Lentil and Bulgur Salad is lentils, which holds up: it keeps three to four days refrigerated and tastes better after a few hours, once the dressing has soaked in. Hold back a spoonful of dressing to freshen it before serving. It does not freeze.

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