Description
Mujaddara is a classic Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, seasoned with warm spices for a rich, earthy flavor. This hearty, budget-friendly meal is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with plant-based protein. Serve it with a fresh salad, yogurt sauce, or warm pita for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Lentils: Green or brown lentils
- Rice: Basmati rice (or substitute with jasmine, brown rice, or bulgur)
- Onions: Thinly sliced for caramelization
- Olive oil
- Seasonings & Spices: Salt, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, turmeric (optional)
- Aromatics & Herbs: Scallions, garlic, fresh parsley, cilantro (optional)
- Acid: Apple cider or balsamic vinegar, lemon juice
- Sweetener: Sugar (to help caramelize onions)
- Water
Instructions
-
Caramelize the Onions
- Sauté sliced onions in olive oil, salt, and sugar over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add water, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes until golden.
- Increase heat, add vinegar, stir for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
-
Cook the Lentils
- Rinse lentils, boil in salted water for 15-30 minutes until tender.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Rice
- Rinse basmati rice and cook in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Combine & Season
- In a skillet, heat olive oil, sauté scallions for 2 minutes.
- Add garlic, spices, and cook for another minute.
- Stir in lentils, rice, half of the caramelized onions, parsley, and cilantro.
- Season to taste and heat through.
-
Serve
- Transfer to a serving platter, top with remaining caramelized onions.
- Garnish with scallion greens and parsley. Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Grain Variations: Swap rice for bulgur, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Lentil Alternatives: Use black lentils, but avoid red lentils.
- Spice Customization: Adjust cumin, cinnamon, or try Lebanese seven-spice.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
