Mujadara
Mujadara is a comforting Lebanese dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, offering a budget-friendly and protein-rich meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils (brown or green) Keep their shape; avoid red/orange for distinct grains.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice Basmati adds fragrance; long-grain white is perfectly fine.
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced For caramelizing.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil Traditional oil that adds flavor.
- 4 cups water For cooking lentils and rice.
- to taste salt Add during cooking.
- to taste freshly ground black pepper For seasoning.
- 1/2–1 teaspoon ground cumin Optional spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander Optional spice.
- pinch cinnamon Optional spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Place lentils in a medium pot with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20–25 minutes until tender but not falling apart. Drain any excess water if needed.
- Rinse the rice until the water is mostly clear. Add the rice to the pot with the cooked lentils. If you drained the lentils, add about 1 to 1 1/4 cups fresh water. Stir in salt and optional spices, then bring back to a low simmer. Cover and cook on low for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Cooking Onions
- While the rice and lentils finish, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized — about 20–30 minutes. Lower the heat if they brown too quickly.
Finishing Touches
- When the rice is done, remove the pot from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the lentil-and-rice mixture with a fork. Transfer to a serving bowl and heap the caramelized onions on top. Season with pepper and additional salt if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
Best enjoyed with a spoonful of plain yogurt or labneh, and optionally topped with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds. For additional flavors, pair with a cucumber-tomato salad or a simple fattoush.