Spring Quinoa Mujadara with Asparagus

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Place the lentils in a bowl and cover with room temperature water by 1 inch.

Remove the woody part of the asparagus by gently holding both ends and snapping the stalk in half. The spears have a natural breaking point and you’ll be able to tell where it is (about ¾ of the way down). Save those woody stalks for another use (like a stock!).

Cut the trimmed asparagus into 1-inch pieces. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, combine the asparagus with 1 teaspoon olive oil and ½ teaspoon salt. Roast in the oven until browned and caramelized, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or lidded saucepan. Sauté the shallots over medium-high heat until crispy and browned, about 7 minutes. Remove half of the shallot mixture to a bowl.

To the pot, add the garlic, cumin, cayenne, and cinnamon stick. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the quinoa and cook one minute more.

Drain the lentils and add to the quinoa along with 3 cups water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook until the lentils and quinoa are tender, 15 minutes. If there’s excess water, remove the lid and return the heat to high until the moisture has burnt off. Remove from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick.

Stir in the lemon juice and half the asparagus and herbs. Transfer to a serving platter and top with the remaining asparagus, crispy shallots and herbs. For a main course, add a fried egg!

To make this recipe with regular rice, increase the water to 4 cups.