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Mujadara (Lentils and Rice) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 118 reviews

Mujadara is a hearty and flavorful Middle Eastern dish combining tender cooked lentils and fragrant basmati rice with sweet caramelized onions and aromatic spices. This vegetarian recipe is a comforting staple, enhanced with fresh herbs, tangy lemon wedges, and creamy yogurt tahini sauce for a satisfying and balanced meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions

  • 4 large onions (white or yellow), thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or balsamic)

Cooked Lentils

  • 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
  • 4 cups water (for cooking lentils)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for cooking lentils)

Cooked Rice

  • ½ cup basmati rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups water (for cooking rice)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for cooking rice)

Flavor Base

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 scallions, finely chopped (reserve green tops for garnish)
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or grated
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)

To Serve

  • 4 wedges lemon
  • 1 cup yogurt tahini sauce or plain Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Thinly slice the onions to about 1/5 inch (1/2 cm). In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions with ¾ teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar, sauté for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup water, lower heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 20 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the onions are tender and golden. Increase heat to high, stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar, cook for 2 minutes to intensify flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Cook Lentils: In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt and the rinsed lentils. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes until lentils are tender but hold their shape. Drain lentils and set aside.
  3. Cook Rice: In another pot, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add ½ teaspoon salt and the rinsed basmati rice. Lower heat and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until rice is al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare Flavor Base: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped scallions (reserving the green tops for garnish) and sauté for 2 minutes until soft. Add pressed garlic, paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, red pepper flakes, and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add cooked lentils, rice, half of the caramelized onions, parsley, cilantro (if using), ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the spices and scallions. Stir well and sauté for a few minutes until the mixture is warmed through and flavors have melded. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  6. Serve Mujadara: Transfer the lentil and rice mixture to a large serving platter. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, reserved scallion tops, and additional parsley for garnish.
  7. Add Lemon and Yogurt: Serve with lemon wedges on the side and a bowl of yogurt tahini sauce or plain Greek yogurt. For a complete meal, accompany with a fresh salad such as fattoush, Shirazi salad, or cucumber-tomato salad.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing the dish’s signature sweet, deep flavor.
  • Be careful not to overcook lentils; they should be tender but not mushy.
  • Rinsing rice before cooking removes excess starch for fluffier grains.
  • Turmeric is optional and not traditional but adds color and subtle flavor.
  • The dish can be made vegan by using a plant-based yogurt sauce or skipping the yogurt.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • Serving with a lemon wedge brightens the earthy flavors of lentils and rice.

Keywords: mujadara recipe, lentils and rice, caramelized onions, Middle Eastern vegetarian, easy vegetarian dinner

Find it online: https://heutigemahlzeiten.com/mujadara-lentils-and-rice-recipe/