Description
Mujadara is a traditional Lebanese dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. This hearty and wholesome comfort food balances the earthiness of lentils with the sweetness of golden onions, making it simple yet deeply flavorful. Naturally vegan and budget-friendly, it’s perfect as a main dish or side.
Ingredients
1 cup green lentils (200 g)
4 cups water (3 cups for lentils, 1 cup for rice)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
4 medium onions, thinly sliced
1 cup rice (baldo, tosya, or basmati)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Wash lentils and place in a heavy-based pan with 3 cups of water, cumin, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 15–25 minutes until almost cooked but still firm.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté onions for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized.
- Rinse rice until water runs clear. Add rice to lentils with 1 cup water, stir, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until rice and lentils are tender and liquid absorbed. Remove bay leaves.
- Stir in three-quarters of the caramelized onions. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Top with remaining onions and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Swap rice with bulgur for a nuttier version, or use brown rice (adjust cooking time).
Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice for extra warmth.
Delicious with crispy fried onions on top or served with plain yogurt.
Tastes great at room temperature, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
