Description
This authentic Middle Eastern Mujadara recipe blends tender green or brown lentils with brown or white rice, simmered with aromatic spices and topped generously with sweetly caramelized onions. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this hearty dish is perfect as a satisfying main or a flavorful side that bursts with comforting textures and robust flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 small-medium (500 g) onions, sliced
- 1.5 cups (300 g) green or brown lentils
- 1 cup (180 g) brown rice or white rice (see notes)
- 5 to 5 ½ cups water, divided
- 1 tbsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 1 ½ tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Brown Rice (if using): Soak the brown rice for 20 minutes, then drain. Add the soaked rice and 2 ½ cups water to a large pot, bring to a boil. Stir in vegetable bouillon powder, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Soak Lentils: While rice cooks, soak lentils in cold water for even, quicker cooking, then drain.
- Slice Onions: Slice all onions (a combination of yellow and red or your choice) while the rice cooks.
- Add Lentils to Pot: After 20 minutes, add drained lentils and 3 cups water to the pot. Stir, cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sliced onions, stir, reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove lid, stir, add cumin and ½ tsp salt. Continue cooking uncovered for 5–10 minutes until onions are deeply caramelized. Increasing heat briefly can make them crispier.
- Check and Finish Rice and Lentils: After 25 minutes, check if rice and lentils are tender. If not, simmer a few more minutes. Turn off heat and keep covered for a few minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove bay leaves. Fold about two-thirds of the caramelized onions into the lentils and rice mixture. Reserve remaining onions for garnish. Serve in bowls topped with dairy-free yogurt, reserved onions, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish. Enjoy your Mujadara!
Notes
- Soaking brown rice helps reduce cooking time and improves texture. For white rice, add it with the lentils during simmering as it cooks faster.
- You can use all yellow onions, all red onions, or a mix depending on your flavor preference.
- For a crispier onion topping, increase the heat toward the end of caramelizing process.
- This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Serve with dairy-free yogurt or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
