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Mujadara (Lentils and Rice) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

Mujadara is a comforting Middle Eastern dish combining tender lentils and fluffy basmati rice with sweetly caramelized onions and aromatic spices. This wholesome recipe balances earthy pulses with fragrant flavors and a subtle hint of warmth from paprika, cinnamon, and cumin. Traditionally served with lemon wedges and yogurt, Mujadara is a nutritious and flavorful vegetarian main or side that highlights simple, pantry-friendly ingredients prepared using stovetop cooking methods.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Lentils and Rice

  • 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
  • 4 cups water + 1 teaspoon salt for cooking lentils
  • ½ cup basmati rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups water + ½ teaspoon salt for cooking rice

Flavor Base

  • 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 (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)

Serving Suggestions

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

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Thinly slice 4 large onions and sauté them in 1 tablespoon olive oil with ¾ teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup water, reduce to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until the liquid evaporates. Increase heat to high, add 1 tablespoon vinegar, and stir for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.
  2. Cook Lentils: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, adding 1 teaspoon salt. Add the rinsed lentils, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 15–30 minutes until tender but still intact. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook Rice: Boil 3 cups of water with ½ teaspoon salt. Add rinsed basmati rice and cook on low heat for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Make Flavor Base: Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped scallions (reserve the green tops) and sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in pressed garlic, paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add cooked lentils, rice, half of the caramelized onions, parsley, cilantro, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Sauté for a few minutes to blend flavors and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve: Transfer Mujadara to a serving platter topped with the remaining caramelized onions, reserved scallion tops, and additional parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges and Greek yogurt or yogurt tahini sauce on the side.
  7. Optional Sides: Complement the dish with a fresh salad such as fattoush, Shirazi salad, or a cucumber-tomato salad for a full meal.

Notes

  • Be patient when caramelizing the onions to develop deep sweetness; don’t rush the water simmer step.
  • Rinse lentils and rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and impurities.
  • Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to control the heat of the dish.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, cook lentils a bit longer.
  • Although turmeric is optional, it adds a gentle earthiness and warm color.
  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor impact.
  • Mujadara can be served warm or at room temperature and also makes excellent leftovers.

Keywords: Mujadara, lentils and rice, caramelized onions, Middle Eastern vegetarian dish, healthy lentil recipe, easy vegan dinner

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