Description
Mujadara is a comforting Middle Eastern dish combining lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. This hearty vegetarian recipe offers a flavorful blend of spices and textures, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Lentils and Rice
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: If using brown rice, soak it for 20 minutes then drain. Add the soaked brown rice and 2 1/2 cups water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Stir in vegetable bouillon powder, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Soak the Lentils: While rice is cooking, soak lentils in cold water and then drain to help them cook evenly and faster.
- Slice the Onions: Slice the onions while the rice cooks. A mix of yellow and red onions is used, but you may use all yellow or all red.
- Add Lentils to Rice: After the rice has cooked for 20 minutes, add lentils and 3 cups of water. Stir, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, stir, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Uncover, add cumin and 1/2 tsp salt, and cook uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until onions are caramelized and crispy.
- Final Cooking Check: Check if lentils and rice are tender after 25 minutes; if not, cook a few minutes longer. Remove bay leaves and turn off heat. Let the pot sit covered for a few minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Stir two-thirds of the caramelized onions into the lentil and rice mixture. Serve topped with the remaining caramelized onions, dairy-free yogurt if desired, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Notes
- If using white rice instead of brown, skip soaking and adjust water and cooking times accordingly for white rice.
- Soaking the lentils and rice helps improve texture and reduces cooking time.
- Increasing heat while caramelizing onions provides a crispier texture.
- Vegetable bouillon powder adds depth of flavor; substitute with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and dairy-free yogurt for added creaminess and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
