Mujaddara (Lentils, Rice & Caramelized Onions)
Lentils and rice simmered together and topped with deeply caramelized onions, a beloved Lebanese pantry-staple dinner.
Mujaddara is proof that humble pantry staples can taste extraordinary with enough patience — the real work here is caramelizing the onions low and slow until they turn deep golden brown and almost sweet, which is what carries the whole dish.
Lentils and rice together form a complete plant protein, and because this dish is built entirely from legumes, grains, and onions cooked in olive oil, it's naturally vegan and brings a substantial amount of fiber to the plate, which is part of why bean-and-grain dishes like this are often recommended within a heart-healthy eating pattern. Serve it warm with a dollop of yogurt and a squeeze of lemon, or at room temperature the next day — many people say it tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 3/4 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 3.5 cups water, divided
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- fresh parsley and lemon wedges — to serve
- plain yogurt — optional, to serve
These ingredients are common at Middle Eastern grocers; a well-stocked international supermarket usually carries them too.
Instructions
- 1Cook lentils in 2 cups water for about 15-18 minutes until just tender but not mushy; drain.
- 2Meanwhile, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat; add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, 20-25 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden brown. Set aside half for topping.
- 3In a pot, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, add rice, cumin, allspice, and half the caramelized onions; stir 1 minute.
- 4Add cooked lentils, 1.5 cups water, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.
- 5Let rest 5 minutes, fluff gently, and top with reserved caramelized onions and parsley.
- 6Serve with lemon wedges and a dollop of yogurt if desired.