Classic Mujadara
This comforting Middle Eastern dish combines tender lentils and fluffy rice, topped with deeply caramelized onions for incredible flavor.
Ingredients
- •1 cup brown or green lentils (200g), rinsed
- •1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice (200g), rinsed and drained
- •3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- •1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (60ml)
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon ground coriander
- •1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •2 1/4 cups water or vegetable broth (540ml)
Instructions
- 1
Place the rinsed lentils in a medium saucepan and cover with water by about 2 inches, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes until just tender but still firm, then drain.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sliced onions, and cook, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until deeply browned and caramelized, then transfer about half of the onions to a paper towel-lined plate to use for garnish.
- 3
Add the drained rice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper to the remaining onions in the skillet, stirring for 2 minutes to toast the rice and coat it with the spices.
- 4
Add the cooked lentils and water or vegetable broth to the skillet, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
- 5
Remove the pan from the heat and let it steam, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
- 6
Fluff the mujadara gently with a fork, transfer to a serving platter, and top with the reserved crispy caramelized onions.
💡 Chef tips
- For the best flavor and texture, do not rush the onions; take your time caramelizing them until they are deeply golden brown and sweet.
- You can make the caramelized onions a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature fluffy, spiced rice and tender lentils infused with warm cumin, crowned with sweet, crispy caramelized onions that add a rich, savory depth.