Mujaddara
Lentils, rice (or bulgur), and caramelized onions, seasoned with cumin and garlic, are the ingredients of the Middle Eastern cuisine mujaddara. It's a straightforward, filling, and healthy dinner that's frequently served with fresh salad or yogurt.
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
40 min
Serving
6
Difficulty
Easy
Mujaddara is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice (or bulgur), and caramelized onions. It’s a simple yet hearty and nutritious meal, often served as a vegetarian main dish or side. The dish is flavored with cumin, garlic, and sometimes cinnamon, giving it a comforting, aromatic taste. It’s commonly enjoyed with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad, and is popular in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. The caramelized onions add a sweet contrast to the savory lentils and rice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
- 1 cup rice (or bulgur)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
Directions
- The first step in making Mujaddara is to rinse the lentils and simmer them in a pot with water until they are soft but not mushy, around 20 minutes.
- Follow the directions on the package to cook the rice in a different pot.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and caramelize the onions over medium heat until golden brown and crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes, while the lentils and rice are cooking.
- Drain the lentils of any remaining water and combine them with the cooked rice.
- Add the garlic, cumin, optional cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, with the caramelized onions on top of the lentil-rice combination.
