Sugar-Free Mjadara
Sugar-Free Mjadara is a wholesome twist on a classic Middle Eastern comfort food, blending the earthy flavors of brown lentils, aromatic basmati rice, and caramelized onions into a hearty one-pot dish. This vegan and sugar-free recipe is seasoned with warming spices like cumin, coriander, and a hint of cinnamon, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfectly balanced with a bay leaf for added depth, this dish is easy to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal effort required for a satisfying meal. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a standalone entree, garnished with crispy golden onions for an irresistible finish. Ideal for health-conscious eaters, Sugar-Free Mjadara is a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large onions
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain them well.
In a medium-sized pot, add the lentils and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Thinly slice the onions and add them to the skillet. Cook until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the lentils have simmered, add the rice, the remaining 1 cup of water, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the pot.
Simmer the lentils and rice mixture on low heat, covered, for 15 additional minutes or until both the rice and lentils are tender and the water is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
When the onions are caramelized, remove a third for garnishing and mix the remaining onions into the rice and lentil mixture.
Remove the pot from the heat, and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, stir the mjadara gently to fluff it up and discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaf.
Serve the mjadara hot, garnished with the reserved caramelized onions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
971 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.9 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.5 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3592 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 122.4 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.3 g | 87% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.7 g | ||
| Protein | 28.6 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 255 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 1344 mg | 29% | |
*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.
