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Mujadara (Lentils and Rice) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 72 reviews

Mujadara is a classic Middle Eastern dish featuring a delicious combination of lentils and basmati rice, topped with sweet caramelized onions. This hearty, flavorful vegetarian meal is enhanced with a blend of aromatic spices and served with tangy lemon wedges and creamy yogurt sauce, making it perfect for a comforting yet nutritious main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 4 large onions (white or yellow), thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or balsamic)

For the Lentils

  • 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Rice

  • ½ cup basmati rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Flavor Base and Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 scallions, finely chopped (reserve green tops for garnish)
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or grated
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, not traditional)
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)

To Serve

  • 4 wedges lemon
  • 1 cup yogurt tahini sauce or plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Make caramelized onions: Slice the onions thinly, about 1/5 inch or 1/2 cm thick. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with ¾ teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  2. Simmer onions with water: Add 1 cup of water to the onions, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the onions simmer gently for 20 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the onions become deeply caramelized and sticky.
  3. Finish caramelizing: Increase heat to high, add 1 tablespoon vinegar, and stir for 2 minutes to deglaze the pan and enhance flavor. Turn off the heat and set the caramelized onions aside.
  4. Cook lentils: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon salt and the rinsed lentils. Reduce heat and simmer the lentils for 15–30 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape. Drain and set aside.
  5. Cook rice: In another pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil and add ½ teaspoon salt. Add the rinsed basmati rice, reduce heat to low, and cook for 8–10 minutes until the rice is al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Prepare the flavor base: Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped scallions (reserve green tops for garnish) and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  7. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the pressed garlic, paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric (if using), red pepper flakes, and sauté for another minute until the spices release their aroma.
  8. Combine ingredients: Add cooked lentils, rice, half of the caramelized onions, chopped parsley, cilantro (if using), ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir gently and sauté for a few more minutes to heat through and blend flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve: Transfer the mujadara onto a large serving platter. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, reserved scallion tops, and a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.
  10. Add accompaniments: Serve with lemon wedges on the side and offer a bowl of yogurt tahini sauce or plain Greek yogurt. Consider pairing with fresh salads such as fattoush, Shirazi salad, or a cucumber-tomato salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, serve with a plant-based yogurt sauce instead of dairy yogurt.
  • Caramelizing onions properly is key to developing the signature sweet and savory flavor of mujadara.
  • You can prepare the lentils and rice in advance and assemble at serving time to save time.
  • If you prefer softer lentils or rice, adjust the cooking times accordingly.
  • The optional turmeric powder adds color and subtle earthiness but is not traditional.

Keywords: Mujadara, lentils and rice, Middle Eastern, caramelized onions, vegetarian, comfort food

Find it online: https://jedentaglecker.com/mujadara-lentils-and-rice-recipe/