Name: Mujadara with Caramelized Onions and Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 5 small-medium onions (sliced); 1.5 cups green or brown lentils; 1 cup brown rice (or white rice); 5 to 5 1/2 cups water (divided); 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

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If you have never tried Mujadara with Caramelized Onions and Herbs Recipe, you are in for a soul-satisfying experience that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This timeless Middle Eastern dish brings together the humble lentil and rice combo, elevated by the rich sweetness of deeply caramelized onions and the fresh burst of fragrant herbs. The layers of texture—from tender lentils to slightly crisped onions—along with the fragrant spices, create a meal that is comforting, nutritious, and endlessly versatile. Whether you are new to Mujadara or a longtime fan, this recipe feels like sharing a treasured secret that will quickly become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Top view image shows six small white and black bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. The largest white bowl on the right contains thin white onion slices, while the bowl above it holds thin purple and white onion slices. The black bowl next to it contains uncooked yellow rice grains, and the black bowl below has green dried lentils. In front, a small white bowl holds light golden oil, and three tiny brown ceramic bowls hold various spices and two green bay leaves are placed next to the oil bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes the Mujadara with Caramelized Onions and Herbs Recipe truly shine is the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each element plays an important role: the earthy lentils provide heartiness, the rice adds soft chewiness, while the caramelized onions bring a rich, sweet complexity that ties everything together beautifully.

5 small-medium onions (sliced): Onions bring natural sweetness and texture, perfect for caramelizing slowly to deepen their flavor.
1.5 cups green or brown lentils: Lentils are the protein-packed base, offering a nutty bite that blends perfectly with rice.
1 cup brown rice (or white rice): Brown rice adds an earthier, nuttier flavor and chewier texture; white rice can be substituted for a lighter feel.
5 to 5 1/2 cups water (divided): Essential for cooking lentils and rice to tender perfection without losing flavor.
1 tbsp veggie bouillon powder: This adds a savory depth that enhances the natural tastes of the lentils and rice.
1 1/2 tsp salt (divided): Salt balances flavors – part for cooking lentils and rice, part for seasoning onions.
1 tsp ground cumin: Infuses an earthy, warm aroma that beautifully complements the caramelized onions.
2 bay leaves: These add subtle herbal notes that deepen the overall flavor profile.
Black pepper (to taste): Adds just the right amount of spice and complexity.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used to slowly caramelize onions to golden perfection.

How to Make Mujadara with Caramelized Onions and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Soak

Begin by soaking the brown rice for about 20 minutes to help it cook more evenly and become wonderfully tender. While the rice soaks, rinse the lentils and soak them in cold water to speed their cooking time and improve texture. This prep work sets the stage for smooth, perfectly cooked grains and pulses.

Step 2: Start Cooking the Rice

Add the soaked brown rice along with 2 1/2 cups of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil. Stir in the vegetable bouillon, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it gently simmer for 20 minutes. This slow simmer infuses the rice with flavor while softening it gradually.

Step 3: Add Lentils and More Water

After the rice’s initial cooking time, drain the lentils, then add them to the pot with 3 more cups of water. Stir everything together, cover, and bring to a boil again. Lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes. This method lets the lentils absorb all the aromatic flavors from the spices and broth, creating a harmonious meal base.

Step 4: Caramelize the Onions

While the lentils cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions, stirring briefly before covering them to let their natural sugars release and caramelize for about 10 minutes. Then, uncover, sprinkle in cumin and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and continue cooking uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes. The onions should turn a deep golden brown, sometimes with crisp edges, adding a luscious sweetness to every bite.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking

Check the lentils and rice for tenderness after their cooking time; allow extra minutes if they need to soften further. Remove the bay leaves, then fold two-thirds of the caramelized onions into the lentil and rice pot. Let everything rest covered off the heat for a few minutes, allowing flavors to meld and textures to settle perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the mixture into bowls and top with the reserved caramelized onions. Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and a dollop of dairy-free yogurt if you like for a cooling contrast. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of hearty, sweet, and fresh notes.

How to Serve Mujadara with Caramelized Onions and Herbs Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of cooked lentils and grains that have a light brown and greenish color with a soft texture. On top of this is a thick layer of creamy white sauce, smooth and spread evenly. The top layer consists of caramelized onions, golden to dark brown with a shiny, slightly oily look, scattered with small green herb pieces for color. A golden spoon with intricate floral patterns is partly inside the bowl on the right side, resting on the lentils and white sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some small herb pieces around it and a pink cloth with white polka dots partly visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro bring a bright pop of color and a refreshing burst of flavor, complementing the deep earthiness of the lentils. A spoonful of tangy dairy-free yogurt adds creaminess that balances the sweetness of the caramelized onions impeccably.

Side Dishes

Mujadara pairs beautifully with crisp salads, such as a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Roasted vegetables or a side of pickled turnips bring a lovely contrast, adding both texture and a slight acidity that lifts this comforting dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve Mujadara layered in bowls with dollops of yogurt and herbs swirled on top for an inviting presentation. You can also stuff it into pita pockets with fresh greens or turn it into a filling for stuffed peppers. Its versatility makes it great for casual weeknights or elegant gatherings alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Mujadara in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners in the following days without losing any of its delicious flavors.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Portion the Mujadara into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months, making it a wonderful make-ahead meal for busy days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the grains moist. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Top again with caramelized onions and fresh herbs to revive the original flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, white rice can be used in the Mujadara with Caramelized Onions and Herbs Recipe for a softer, lighter texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times since white rice cooks faster and may require less water.

Is it necessary to soak the lentils and rice beforehand?

Soaking is not mandatory but highly recommended—it helps reduce cooking time and ensures the lentils and rice cook evenly with the perfect texture you want for this dish.

Can I make this dish vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! Mujadara with Caramelized Onions and Herbs Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable bouillon powder and serve it with non-dairy toppings.

What herbs work best with Mujadara?

Fresh parsley and cilantro are classic herb choices that brighten the richness of the dish. Mint or dill can also be delightful alternatives depending on your taste preferences.

How long does it take to caramelize onions properly?

Caramelizing onions typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes on medium heat, allowing their natural sugars to develop that beautiful deep golden color and rich, sweet flavor essential for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough giving the Mujadara with Caramelized Onions and Herbs Recipe a try—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed by love and time into something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this dish brings warmth, heart, and a little magic to the table. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

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