Description
Lebanese Lentils & Rice, also known as Mujaddara, is a hearty and comforting Middle Eastern dish featuring cooked lentils and rice topped with golden, caramelized onions. It is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious meal traditionally served warm, perfect as a main or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Staples
- 2 cups dry rice
- 2 cups dry lentils
- Salt to taste (2-3 teaspoons recommended)
- Pepper to taste
For Sautéing
- 1 large onion (or 2 medium onions), chopped
- 1 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Rice and Lentils: Prepare the rice and lentils separately according to their package instructions until fully cooked and tender.
- Sauté Onions: While the rice and lentils cook, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized.
- Combine Ingredients: Once rice and lentils are done, transfer them into a large bowl. Pour the sautéed onions along with the olive oil over the mixture.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Rest: Cover the bowl and allow the mixture to sit for 20 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the Mujaddara warm, either alone or accompanied by warm flatbread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use brown or green lentils for a slightly firmer texture.
- Rinsing rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch and improve texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cumin or allspice spices when cooking lentils.
- Caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
