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Mujadara on a white plate next to a blue cloth with a white background

Mujadara (Lentils, Rice and Caramelized Onions)

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  • Author: Elaine Gordon
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Lentils, rice and onions come together in this signature Middle Eastern dish to create a warm, savory and nutritious plant-based meal. Serve this authentic Mujadara recipe as a main course or a hearty side dish!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Lentils:

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils
  • 2 cups filtered water
  • pinch of salt

Rice: 

  • 1 cup jasmine rice (or Basmati)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Caramelized onions:

  • 4 large yellow onions
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the lentils. Rinse and drain 1 cup of lentils and then add to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of filtered water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer while covered on low heat for 17 minutes. Remove the lid to test if the lentils are soft and tender (not mushy). Drain the water when perfectly tender.
  2. Cook the rice. Rinse the rice well. Add water, rice and salt to a 3-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover tightly with the lid and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit covered for at least 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork when serving.
  3. Caramelize the onions (see this post for more detailed instructions). I recommend preparing these ahead of time since the process is quite long to get crispy results. Preheat a cast iron skillet (not enameled cast iron) on the stovetop on medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions, oil and salt and cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften and brown. Reduce to medium-low heat and cook for another 30 minutes, tossing the onions every couple minutes. Then reduce to low heat and cook for another 60-90 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Serve. Add the rice and lentils to a bowl and then top with the caramelized onions. Garnish with fresh parsley or other fresh herbs if desired. Serve with hummus, vegan tzatziki, dairy-free whipped feta dip, roasted garlic dip or vegan French onion dip.

Equipment

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Most traditional mujadara recipes include ground cumin as a seasoning for more warm and comforting flavor, however I actually prefer the dish without it.

  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 60
  • Category: Entrée
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://www.eatingbyelaine.com/mujadara-lentils-rice-and-caramelized-onions/