Mujadara

Discover the comforting flavors of Mujadara, a beloved Middle Eastern classic that combines tender lentils, fluffy long-grain rice, and richly caramelized onions into a hearty, plant-based dish. This budget-friendly recipe is a celebration of simple pantry staples, elevated by warm notes of cumin and a hint of black pepper. With just 15 minutes of prep time and straightforward instructions, Mujadara is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it as a satisfying main dish or a flavorful side, topped with extra caramelized onions or a dollop of creamy yogurt for a delicious finishing touch. Packed with fiber and protein, this wholesome one-pot recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a healthy, flavor-packed meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 3 large onions
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot, bring 3.5 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook for about 15 minutes until they start to become tender, but not fully cooked.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, peel and slice the onions into thin rings.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, then cook stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. If the onions start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.

Step 5

Once the lentils are partially cooked, drain them and return them to the pot.

Step 6

Add the rice, cumin, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Pour the caramelized onions with their oil over the rice and lentils, then mix gently.

Step 8

Add 2 cups of fresh water to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for around 20-25 minutes until the rice and lentils are fully cooked and the water is absorbed.

Step 9

Turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to fully steam the rice.

Step 10

Fluff the mujadara with a fork before serving. Serve warm as a main dish or a side, optionally topped with additional caramelized onions or a dollop of plain yogurt.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1851.2 grams (1851.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1212

Total Fat 58.30g	75%
Saturated Fat 9.30g	47%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.40g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4762mg	207%
Total Carbohydrate 143.60g	52%
Dietary Fiber 26.30g	94%
Total Sugars 35.20g
Protein 28.60g	57%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 225mg	17%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 1784mg	38%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 47.3%