Healthy Comfort Food: Fragrant Lentils with Caramelised Onion and Eggs

Looking for a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious? Look no further than this fragrant lentil recipe. Despite its simplicity, it’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body. I’ll walk you through each step, making it easy to recreate this dish in your own kitchen. Once you taste the aromatic blend of spices, caramelized onions, and perfectly cooked eggs, you’ll be convinced that lentils belong on your menu regularly.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups brown lentils (325g)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml)
• 3 large onions (about 800g), halved and sliced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp ras el hanout
• 1½ tsp cumin seeds
• 2½ tbsp date molasses or honey, or to taste
• 3 cups chicken stock (750ml)
• 5-6 eggs
• Chopped parsley, to serve

For the paprika butter:

• 50g butter, chopped
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• Large pinch dried chilli flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place lentils in a large saucepan with enough water to generously cover. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat for 20 minutes or until just tender. Drain well.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or wok with an ovenproof handle over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring often, for about 25 minutes or until deep golden, reducing the heat if necessary.
3. Add tomato paste and spices to the onions, then cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Stir in date molasses (or honey) and chicken stock, then add the cooked lentils. Stir well, then bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the liquid is slightly reduced and the mixture is soupy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust sweetness if desired.
4. Make 5-6 indentations in the lentil mixture, then carefully crack an egg into each indentation. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the eggs are just set.
5. While the eggs are baking, prepare the paprika butter. Heat the butter in a small frying pan over medium-high heat until it sizzles. Add paprika, swirling the pan to combine well. Remove from heat.
6. Once the eggs are cooked, pour the paprika butter over the lentils and eggs. Scatter chopped parsley on top, then serve immediately.

How to Serve:

Enjoy this fragrant lentil dish straight from the oven. Serve it with your favorite bread or pita for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a green salad for a complete and nutritious dining experience.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 380
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Sodium: 470mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g
• Dietary Fiber: 7g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 19g

Indulge in the goodness of this healthy comfort food, perfect for any meal of the day. Experience the warmth and satisfaction of fragrant lentils with caramelized onion and eggs.