Mediterranean Lentils Quinoa Skillet (Print Version)

Hearty Mediterranean blend of lentils, quinoa, and golden caramelized onions with a flavorful herbed sauce.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) brown or green lentils, drained and rinsed, or 3 cups cooked lentils
02 - 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa
03 - 2 large onions, thinly sliced
04 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
05 - 1/2 cup water, for caramelizing onions
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

→ Sauce

07 - 4 tablespoons vegetable broth
08 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for caramelizing onions
09 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
11 - 1 clove garlic, finely grated or pressed
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
16 - 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
17 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Optional for Serving

18 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, for topping

# Steps:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add sliced onions, honey, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions become soft and golden. Add small amounts of water as needed to deglaze the pan and prevent sticking.
02 - While the onions are caramelizing, whisk together vegetable broth, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully combined.
03 - Add lentils and cooked quinoa to the skillet with caramelized onions. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir thoroughly.
04 - Cook the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fully heated and the sauce coats the lentils and quinoa. Turn off heat and gently fold in chopped parsley.
05 - Serve warm, finished with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Spoon Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat as needed.

# Notes:

01 - Caramelizing onions slowly enhances natural sweetness. Use water as needed during this process to avoid burning, and adjust seasoning to taste before serving.