Step 1

Sort and rinse the lentils and rice. Place 1 cup small brown or green lentils in a fine-mesh strainer. Pick through the lentils, discarding any broken or discolored ones. Rinse under cool water until the water runs clear. Drain well and transfer to a small bowl. Place 1 cup long-grain white rice or coarse cracked wheat in the strainer and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

Step 2

Par-cook the lentils. Bring the lentils, 2 cups of the water, and 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are par-cooked, about 7 minutes or until less than al dente and still resistant to the bite. Remove from the heat and set aside, keeping the lentils in the water.

Step 3

Cook the onions. While the lentils are cooking, dice 2 large yellow onions (about 4 cups). Heat 1/4 cup neutral oil in a large frying pan or saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onions and season with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Cook, stirring frequently to avoid burning, though some charring will occur in order to get them all thoroughly browned, until very deep golden brown (darker than caramelized onions), about 30 minutes total.

Step 4

Add the water. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. The liquid will take on the deep golden color of the onions and the onions will continue to soften.

Step 5

Add the rice and lentils. Add the rice and par-cooked lentils and their liquid to the onion mixture. Season with a few grinds of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, if desired. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, covered, until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice and lentils are tender but firm and not mushy, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 6

Serve the mujadara. Remove from the heat. Taste and season with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature, drizzled with olive oil. Serve over a bed of dressed arugula and top with a dollop of labneh, if desired.