Mujadara (Lebanese Lentils & Rice with Caramelized Onions)

Mujadara is a simple yet deeply flavorful Lebanese dish made with lentils, rice, and golden caramelized onions. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with earthy, spiced goodness. To make it a full meal, serve it with a cool cucumber yogurt salad (or plain plant-based yogurt), a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, warm flatbread to scoop it up, and a tomato-cucumber salad tossed with olive oil and sumac.

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a saucepan, add rinsed lentils and 2 cups of water.

Step 2

Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 15–20 minutes until just tender. (Don’t overcook—they’ll cook more with the rice.)

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil.

Step 4

Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.

Step 5

Cook low and slow (20–30 minutes), stirring often until deeply golden and sweet.

Step 6

Let the edges brown before stirring for real caramelization.

Step 7

Drain excess water from lentils if needed.

Step 8

In the same pot with lentils, add rice, cumin, salt, pepper, and 1 more cup of water or broth.

Step 9

Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.

Step 10

Once cooked, turn off the heat and let it steam covered for 10 minutes.

Step 11

Gently fluff the mujadara with a fork.

Step 12

Stir in half the caramelized onions.

Step 13

Top the dish with the rest of the onions.