Mujadara

Why Make This Recipe

Mujadara is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that combines lentils and rice, topped with caramelized onions. It is not only flavorful but also nutritious, providing a great source of protein and fiber. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal and is loved by both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Plus, it’s easy to make and often uses pantry staples.

How to Make Mujadara

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions (white or yellow)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or balsamic)
• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown) + 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to cook them
• ½ cup basmati rice + 3 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt to cook them
• 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, not traditional)
• 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)
• 4 wedges lemon
• 1 cup yogurt tahini sauce (or plain Greek yogurt)

Directions:

1. Caramelize Onions: Slice the 4 large onions thinly. Sauté them in 1 tablespoon olive oil with ¾ teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup water, lower the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes until the liquid evaporates. Then, increase the heat to high, add 1 tablespoon vinegar, and stir for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside.

2. Cook Lentils: Boil 4 cups of water (for 1 cup of lentils). Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the rinsed lentils. Simmer for 15-30 minutes until they are tender but intact. Drain the lentils and set aside.

3. Cook Rice: Boil 3 cups of water (for ½ cup of rice). Add ½ teaspoon of salt and the rinsed rice. Boil on low heat for about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Drain the rice and set aside.

4. Make Flavor Base: Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped scallions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the pressed garlic, paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, red pepper flakes, and sauté for one more minute until fragrant. Stir in the lentils, rice, half of the caramelized onions, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Sauté in the pan for a few minutes until everything is warm and well combined. Taste and adjust for salt.

5. Serving Suggestions: Serve Mujadara as a centerpiece on a large platter, topped with the remaining caramelized onions, scallion tops, and parsley. Add lemon wedges and a bowl of Greek yogurt or yogurt tahini sauce for pairing. You can also serve it with a refreshing salad like fattoush or Shirazi salad.

How to Serve Mujadara

Mujadara can be served warm or at room temperature. Place it on a large platter and garnish it with caramelized onions and herbs for a beautiful presentation. Don’t forget to add lemon wedges and a side of yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

How to Store Mujadara

Mujadara can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Mujadara

• To make the onions extra caramelized and sweet, cook them longer on low heat.
• Adjust spices according to your taste preference; you can increase the heat with extra red pepper flakes if desired.
• This dish also benefits from resting for a little while. The flavors deepen and improve after sitting in the fridge overnight.

Variation

For a heartier version, consider adding cooked vegetables such as carrots or spinach. You can also switch the spices to suit your taste or even add meats like chicken or lamb for a protein boost, although this would change the vegetarian nature of the original dish.

FAQs

1. Can I make Mujadara ahead of time?
Yes, Mujadara can be prepared in advance. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

2. Is Mujadara gluten-free?
Yes, lentils and rice are naturally gluten-free, making Mujadara a great option for gluten-sensitive individuals.

3. What can I serve with Mujadara?
You can serve Mujadara with yogurt, tahini sauce, and a side salad like fattoush or cucumber-tomato salad for a balanced meal.

Mujadara

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• Author: ikramnihad
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious Middle Eastern dish combining lentils and rice, topped with caramelized onions, providing a great source of protein and fiber.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large onions (white or yellow)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or balsamic)
• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown) + 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to cook
• ½ cup basmati rice + 3 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt to cook
• 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)
• 4 wedges lemon
• 1 cup yogurt tahini sauce (or plain Greek yogurt)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Slice the onions, sauté in olive oil with salt and sugar for 5 minutes. Add water, simmer for 20 minutes. Increase heat, add vinegar, stir for 2 minutes, then set aside.
2. Cook Lentils: Boil water with salt, add rinsed lentils. Simmer for 15-30 minutes until tender, then drain.
3. Cook Rice: Boil water with salt, add rinsed rice. Boil on low heat for 8-10 minutes, then drain.
4. Make Flavor Base: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet, add scallions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic and spices, sauté for 1 more minute. Stir in lentils, rice, half of the caramelized onions, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Sauté until warm.
5. Serving Suggestions: Serve on a large platter, topped with remaining caramelized onions, scallion tops, and parsley. Add lemon wedges and yogurt sauce.

Notes

For extra sweet caramelized onions, cook them longer on low heat. Adjust spices to taste and consider pairing with sides like fattoush salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Mujadara, lentils, rice, Middle Eastern dish, vegetarian meal