Lebanese
👍 Beginner Friendly
1h 30measy
LebaneseLunch
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsThis traditional Lebanese Mujadara is a beloved one-pot meal that transforms humble ingredients into something truly spectacular. Brown lentils and rice are cooked together with aromatic spices until tender and fluffy, while onions are slowly caramelized to golden-brown perfection, providing both a garnish and a stirred-in component. The dish exemplifies Lebanese home cooking at its finest - simple, nourishing, and deeply flavorful. Cumin and coriander add warmth, while the caramelized onions provide a subtle sweetness that balances the earthiness of the lentils. Often served with a side of yogurt and fresh vegetables, this dish is equally at home at everyday family meals or special gatherings. The beauty of Mujadara lies in its versatility and the way it showcases how patience in cooking onions can elevate a dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Instructions
step by step0/12 done
Rinse brown lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain well.
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Remove half of the caramelized onions and set aside for garnish.
Add minced garlic to the remaining onions in the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in cumin, coriander, and black pepper, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with 4 cups of water and bay leaves. Season with salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are almost tender.
Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear. Add rice to the pot with the lentils, stir gently, and add additional water if needed.
Cover and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork, remove bay leaves, and transfer to a serving platter.
Top with reserved caramelized onions and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
Serve hot with a side of yogurt and fresh vegetables.
Lebanese Lentil and Rice Pilaf with Caramelized Onions
4.4 (54)
Mujadara is a comforting Lebanese dish combining lentils, rice, and deeply caramelized onions, creating a perfect balance of earthy flavors and crispy-sweet toppings in one satisfying pot.
medium
1h 5m
6 servings
Ingredients
0 of 10 checked
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 cups Rice White, rinsed until water runs clear
- 3 pieces Onions, thinly sliced
- 6 tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
Aromatics
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 pieces Bay Leaves, whole
Spices
- 2 teaspoons Cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoons Coriander, ground
- 1/2 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt, to taste
Chef Tips
expert advice•The key to perfect Mujadara is patience with the onions - the deeper the caramelization, the better the flavor.
•Don't rush this step.
•You can caramelize extra onions and freeze them for future batches.
•For a richer version, use a combination of olive oil and butter.
•Some cooks prefer to cook lentils and rice separately, then combine them, which gives you more control over texture.
•For added depth, toast the rice in the pot for 2 minutes before adding liquid.
•This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
Variations & Substitutions
make it your own•Green lentils can substitute for brown, but avoid red lentils as they break down too much.
•Crispy fried onions from Middle Eastern stores can be used as a time-saving garnish alternative.
Storage & Reheating
keeping it freshStorage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months in portion-sized containers. Allow to cool completely before storing. The caramelized onion topping is best stored separately if possible to maintain its texture.
Reheating
Reheat in a covered pot over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works well - cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, adding a tablespoon of water if needed. For oven reheating, place in a covered dish at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
