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Mujadara (Lentils and Rice) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 63 reviews

Mujadara is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring perfectly cooked lentils and basmati rice, flavored with a warm blend of spices and topped with sweet caramelized onions. This hearty, comforting vegetarian recipe is enhanced with fresh herbs, scallions, and served with a tangy yogurt sauce and lemon wedges for a balanced and satisfying meal.

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), rinsed
  • 4 cups water (for cooking lentils)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for cooking lentils)

Rice

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

Flavor Base and Garnishes

  • 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)

To Serve

  • 4 wedges lemon
  • 1 cup yogurt tahini sauce or plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onions to about 1/5 inch (1/2 cm) thickness. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onions with salt and sugar for 5 minutes to start softening them. Add 1 cup of water, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes until the water evaporates and onions become tender and golden. Increase heat to high, stir in vinegar, cook for 2 minutes to enhance flavor, then turn off the heat and set onions aside.
  2. Cook Lentils: In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon salt. Add rinsed lentils and simmer gently for 15-30 minutes until lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook Rice: Bring 3 cups of water with ½ teaspoon salt to a boil. Add rinsed basmati rice, reduce heat to low, and cook for 8-10 minutes until rice is al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare Flavor Base: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté chopped scallions for 2 minutes. Add garlic and spices including paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, optional turmeric, red pepper flakes, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Combine and Sauté: Add cooked lentils, rice, half of the caramelized onions, parsley, cilantro if using, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well and sauté for a few minutes so flavors meld and the dish is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  6. Serve: Transfer the Mujadara to a large serving platter. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, reserved scallion tops, and additional parsley for garnish.
  7. Add Accompaniments: Serve with lemon wedges and a bowl of yogurt tahini sauce or plain Greek yogurt on the side. Complement the meal with refreshing salads like fattoush, Shirazi, or cucumber-tomato salad for a complete experience.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions slowly is key for developing the signature sweet and rich flavor for Mujadara.
  • If you prefer, you can cook rice and lentils in separate pots or use a pressure cooker to save time, but do not mix uncooked lentils and rice together as cooking times vary.
  • Turmeric is optional but adds a subtle earthy aroma and color.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Using basmati rice adds a fragrant, fluffy texture ideal for this dish.
  • Yogurt tahini sauce adds creaminess and balances the spices.
  • The leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated well the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Keywords: Mujadara, Lentils and Rice, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian, Caramelized Onions, Yogurt Sauce, Healthy, Lentil Rice Recipe

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/mujadara-lentils-and-rice-recipe/