Description
Mujadara is a comforting Middle Eastern dish combining brown or green lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, seasoned with cumin and bay leaves. This vegetarian, wholesome recipe is simmered on the stovetop, yielding a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Grains and Legumes
- 1.5 cups green or brown lentils
- 1 cup brown rice (or white rice as alternative)
- 5–5 1/2 cups water (divided)
Vegetables
- 5 small-medium onions, sliced (2 yellow onions and 3 red onions recommended)
Seasonings and Others
- 1 tbsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: If using brown rice, soak it for 20 minutes, then drain. Add drained brown rice and 2 1/2 cups of water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Stir in vegetable bouillon powder, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Soak Lentils: While the rice is cooking, soak the lentils in cold water then drain. This step ensures even and quicker cooking.
- Slice Onions: Slice all onions while rice cooks. You may use a combination of yellow and red onions for added flavor.
- Cook Lentils with Rice: After 20 minutes of cooking rice, add soaked lentils and 3 cups water to the pot. Stir to combine, cover, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and stir. Reduce heat to medium and cover skillet. Cook onions for 10 minutes. Remove lid, add cumin and remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and continue cooking uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply caramelized. Increase heat for a crispier finish if desired.
- Check Lentils and Rice: After simmering, test for tenderness. If necessary, simmer a few more minutes. Turn off heat and keep covered for a few minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Remove bay leaves from pot. Stir in about two-thirds of the caramelized onions into the lentils and rice mixture. Reserve the remaining onions for garnish. Serve hot topped with dairy-free yogurt and fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for garnish. Enjoy your Mujadara!
Notes
- Soaking brown rice beforehand shortens cooking time and improves texture.
- White rice can be substituted but requires different cooking times; adjust accordingly.
- Soaking lentils helps them cook evenly and prevents splitting.
- Caramelizing onions well is key to authentic deep flavor and texture.
- Serve with dairy-free yogurt and fresh herbs for an added layer of taste.
