Mujadara (Lebanese Rice and Lentils with Onions)
Mujadara is a comforting Middle Eastern staple made with lentils, fluffy rice, warm cumin and deeply golden onions. This simple dish is packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 452kcal
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow or white onions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup olive oil + more, if needed
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
- ¾ cup dry brown lentils rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¾ –1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fry the onions: In a wide skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, until deeply golden, caramelized, and lightly crisp, about 25–30 minutes.
- If the onions begin to cook too quickly, partially cover the skillet with a lid to help them soften and cook more evenly. Once done, transfer the onions to a plate.
- Cook the lentils: In a medium pot, add the lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, until the lentils are partially tender but not fully cooked.
- Add the rice and spices: Add the rice, cumin, allspice, Kosher salt and about a quarter of the cooked onions to the lentils and give everything a gentle stir.
- Cover and continue cooking on low for 20-22 minutes, until the rice and lentils are tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and fluff: Turn off the heat and let the mujadara sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and top generously with the remaining onions and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Rinse the rice well until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch and create a light, fluffy texture.
- Sort and rinse the lentils before cooking to remove any debris.
- Take your time with the onions. Deep golden, jammy onions give the most flavor, so don’t rush this step.
- Let the mujadara rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before fluffing with a fork.
- Make ahead friendly: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 948mg | Potassium: 489mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 523IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 4mg