Majadara "Lentils"

Majadara is such a hearty, wonderul dish, especially for those vegetarians out there.  I make this once every couple weeks since it makes a huge portion that lasts for about a week in the refrigerator.  It is also one of the cheapest dinners you can make that is so healthy and good for you. You can eat this with yogurt, pickles, or my personal favorite, salad!

Ingredients:

                                2-3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups lentils or one bag of lentils, washed

9 cups water

3 onions, chopped

1 cup burgal (cracked wheat), soaked in water

2 tablespoons cumin

2 tablespoons salt

Heat the oil in a large pot, add onions. This has to be the most important part of this dish because you want to cook the onions until they are dark brown, ALMOST burned. See the first picture above. Stir occasionally on medium high-high heat, this will take about 20 minutes. When they are turning brown, heat water in a separate pot. I use my tea kettle, and that works great. When that has come to a boil, and the onions are almost burned, add the boiling water to the onions. Add the lentils and stir. Have this come to a boil, and then turn on medium heat. Cook until the water has almost absorbed the lentils. Lastly, add the burgal last and change to low heat. Keep stirring or the burgal will stick to the bottom and burn. Add the spices. Serve hot or cold with yogurt, onions, and pickles. A salad is delicious on top as well.