Lentil Mujadara Rice
A comforting, fragrant Middle Eastern classic featuring perfectly cooked lentils and rice topped with crispy, golden-brown caramelized onions.
Ingredients
- •1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- •1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- •3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- •1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- •3 cups vegetable broth or water
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Place the lentils in a medium pot with 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until tender but not mushy; drain and set aside.
- 2
While the lentils cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced onions, frying them until they are deep golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes; remove half the onions with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- 3
Add the rinsed rice, cumin, cinnamon, and allspice to the skillet with the remaining onions and oil, stirring for 2 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
- 4
Add the cooked lentils, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet, bring to a boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low.
- 5
Simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender; remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- 6
Fluff the mixture gently with a fork and transfer to a serving platter, topping with the reserved crispy onions before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- For the best texture, ensure you do not overcook the lentils in the first step, as they will continue to cook with the rice.
- If you want a deeper flavor, use a high-quality vegetable stock instead of water.
- Mujadara is excellent at room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should have fluffy, distinct grains of rice mixed with earthy, tender lentils, topped with aromatic, sweet-savory crispy onions that provide a delightful crunch.