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Mujadara Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 55 reviews

Mujadara is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, basmati rice, and caramelized onions, enhanced with a blend of warm spices and fresh herbs. It is a wholesome, comforting vegetarian meal that combines soft lentils and fluffy rice with the sweet, deeply flavorful caramelized onions, topped with fresh scallions, parsley, and a side of tangy yogurt or tahini sauce for a perfectly balanced dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions

  • 4 large onions (white or yellow), thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or balsamic)

Lentils

  • 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
  • 4 cups water (for cooking lentils)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for cooking lentils)

Rice

  • ½ cup basmati rice
  • 3 cups water (for cooking rice)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for cooking rice)

Flavor Base

  • 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)
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)

Garnishes and Sides

  • Remaining caramelized onions
  • Reserved green tops of scallions
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley for garnish
  • 4 wedges lemon
  • 1 cup yogurt tahini sauce or plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Make caramelized onions: Thinly slice 4 large onions (about 1/5 inch or 1/2 cm thickness). In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the onions with ¾ teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of water, reduce heat to medium-low, and let the onions simmer for 20 minutes until the water evaporates and onions are soft. Increase heat to high, add 1 tablespoon vinegar, and stir for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor. Turn off heat and set the caramelized onions aside.
  2. Cook lentils: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 cup rinsed dried lentils. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 30 minutes, until lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook rice: In another pot, bring 3 cups of water to boil. Add ½ teaspoon salt and ½ cup rinsed basmati rice. Boil gently on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the rice is al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare the flavor base: Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped scallions (reserve green tops for garnish) and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add the pressed garlic, paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric powder, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Combine lentils and rice: Stir in the cooked lentils, rice, half of the caramelized onions, chopped parsley, cilantro (if using), ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Mix well and sauté for a few minutes until the mixture is warmed through and combined. Adjust salt to taste.
  6. Serve the Mujadara: Transfer the lentil and rice mixture to a large serving platter. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, reserved scallion green tops, and additional parsley for garnish.
  7. Add lemon and yogurt: Serve with lemon wedges on the side along with a bowl of yogurt tahini sauce or plain Greek yogurt for creamy contrast. Pair with fresh salads like fattoush, Shirazi salad, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Be patient while caramelizing onions to develop their deep sweet flavor—it’s key to the dish.
  • Cooking times for lentils can vary depending on the variety; check for tenderness but avoid overcooking to keep them intact.
  • Rinsing rice and lentils before cooking helps remove excess starch and impurities.
  • Turmeric powder is optional and not traditional but adds a nice color and subtle earthiness.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat level.
  • Using basmati rice gives the dish a fragrant, fluffy texture that complements the lentils.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro brighten the dish and add freshness.
  • Serving with yogurt or tahini sauce adds creaminess and balances the savory flavors.
  • Popular Middle Eastern salads make excellent side dishes to balance the hearty Mujadara.

Keywords: Mujadara, Lentils and Rice, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian, Caramelized Onions, Healthy Comfort Food

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/mujadara-recipe/