Description
Mujadara is a comforting and hearty dish that combines earthy lentils and rice, enhanced by the sweetness of caramelized onions. A Middle Eastern staple perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large onions (white or yellow)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or balsamic)
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown) + 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to cook
- ½ cup basmati rice + 3 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt to cook
- 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)
- â…› teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped, optional)
- 4 wedges lemon
- 1 cup yogurt tahini sauce (or plain Greek yogurt)
Instructions
- Start by slicing onions thinly and heating olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions, salt, and sugar, sauté for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in 1 cup of water, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Increase heat to high, add vinegar, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Set aside caramelized onions.
- In a separate pot, boil 4 cups of water and add lentils with salt. Simmer for 15-30 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Boil 3 cups of water in another pot, add salt and rinsed basmati rice. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil, add chopped scallions, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic and spices; sauté for another minute.
- Stir in lentils, rice, half the caramelized onions, parsley, cilantro (if using), and additional spices. Sauté together until warmed through.
- Serve on a platter topped with remaining caramelized onions, scallion tops, and parsley. Accompany with lemon wedges and yogurt.
Notes
Mujadara tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Can be served with salads like fattoush.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg