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Lentil and Bulgur Pilaf with Caramelized Onions

Easy Lentil and Bulgur Pilaf with Caramelized Onions That Wows

This Lentil and Bulgur Pilaf with Caramelized Onions is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pilaf Base
  • 1 cup Brown lentils choose small or medium lentils
  • 1 cup Bulgur wheat medium-coarse works best
  • 4 cups Vegetable broth adds depth and warmth
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil good quality for browning onions
For the Caramelized Onions
  • 2 Yellow onions slowly caramelize for sweetness
  • 1 pinch Salt helps draw out moisture
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar optional for extra sweetness
Flavor Enhancers
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin adds warm, earthy note
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • pot
  • Skillet
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Cooking Process
  1. Prep Ingredients: Rinse lentils and bulgur under cold water until clear. Chop onions, mince garlic, and finely slice parsley to keep everything ready.
  2. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and naturally sweet.
  3. Toast Spices & Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking for just 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Combine Grains: Add rinsed lentils and bulgur to the onion mixture. Stir for 2 minutes to ensure each grain is coated in oil and spices.
  5. Simmer Pilaf: Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 25–30 minutes until broth is absorbed.
  6. Rest & Fluff: Remove lid and let the pilaf rest off heat for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Stir in chopped parsley and spoon the pilaf into bowls. Top with any reserved caramelized onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 350mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 12gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Optional: Drizzle lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.

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