Lebanese Lentil Bowl

Ingredients

• 300 gbrown lentils
• 1onion
• 2tomatoes
• 2 tbspoil
• 1 tspcumin
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Rinse 300 g of brown lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any dust or debris. Set the lentils aside to drain. Dice 1 onion finely and chop 2 tomatoes into small cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Season the chopped tomatoes with a pinch of fine sea salt and a generous sprinkle of black pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion. Stir occasionally, cooking the onion slowly until it turns translucent and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. The onion should not brown; it should become sweet and tender, forming the flavor base for the dish.
3. Add the drained lentils to the pot with the softened onions. Stir in 1 tsp of cumin, ensuring the lentils are well-coated with the spices and oil. The cumin will release its aroma, signaling it's time to move to the next step.
4. Pour in enough water to cover the lentils by about 2 inches. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the lentils cook until they are tender but still hold their shape, stirring occasionally. This will take about 20 to 25 minutes. The lentils should be soft but not mushy, with a slight bite.
5. Once the lentils are cooked to the desired texture, add the seasoned tomatoes to the pot. Stir gently to combine, allowing the tomatoes to warm through and release their juices into the lentils. This should take about 5 minutes, and you'll notice the mixture becoming slightly thicker and more cohesive.
6. Taste the lentil mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional fine sea salt and black pepper as needed. The flavors should be well-balanced, with the cumin providing warmth and the tomatoes adding a slight tang. Serve the Lebanese Lentil Bowl warm, inviting everyone to share from the communal dish, as is traditional in Lebanese home cooking.