Mujadara Rice and Lentils

About This Recipe

Mujadara is a humble dish that becomes far greater than the sum of its parts. Lentils and rice are cooked together or side by side, then covered with a generous layer of caramelized onions that bring sweetness, depth and a little crunch if you let them brown enough. It is common across the Levant and is loved because it is cheap, nourishing and deeply comforting. The key is patience with the onions. When they are properly dark and sweet, they transform the whole bowl. A spoon of yogurt or a simple salad on the side makes it feel complete.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 cupbrown lentils
• 1 cuprice(basmati or long grain)
• 3onions(thinly sliced)
• 4 tbspolive oil
• 1 tspcumin
• 1.5 tspsalt
• 0.5 tspblack pepper
• 3 cupswater or stock
• 0.25 cupparsley(chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   Caramelize onions

   Cook onions slowly in olive oil until deep golden brown.

2. 2

   Cook lentils

   Simmer lentils until just tender.

3. 3

   Add rice

   Stir in rice, cumin, salt and pepper with the lentils and water or stock.

4. 4

   Rest

   Let the pot sit off heat so the grains finish steaming.

5. 5

   Serve

   Top with the caramelized onions and parsley.

Variations

• •

  Serve with yogurt for a cooling contrast.

• •

  Add toasted pine nuts for extra richness.

Storage

Keeps 4 days refrigerated and reheats well.

Frequently Asked Questions