Mujadara
Discover the comforting flavors of Mujadara, a classic Middle Eastern dish that pairs hearty lentils, fragrant long-grain rice, and sweet, golden caramelized onions for a truly satisfying experience. This plant-based recipe is as wholesome as it is delicious, featuring a subtle blend of cumin and black pepper for warmth and depth. Prepared in just under an hour, Mujadara is perfect as a nourishing main course or a flavorful side dish—ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Garnish with extra caramelized onions or a dollop of creamy yogurt for a delightful finishing touch. Packed with fiber, protein, and authentic flavors, Mujadara is a must-try for lovers of simple yet soulful cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 3 large onions
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3.5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain. Set aside.
In a large pot, bring 3.5 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook for about 15 minutes until they start to become tender, but not fully cooked.
While the lentils are cooking, peel and slice the onions into thin rings.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, then cook stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. If the onions start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
Once the lentils are partially cooked, drain them and return them to the pot.
Add the rice, cumin, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir to combine.
Pour the caramelized onions with their oil over the rice and lentils, then mix gently.
Add 2 cups of fresh water to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for around 20-25 minutes until the rice and lentils are fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to fully steam the rice.
Fluff the mujadara with a fork before serving. Serve warm as a main dish or a side, optionally topped with additional caramelized onions or a dollop of plain yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
302 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.3 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 983 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.2 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 7.2 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 68 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 472 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
