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Mujadara Lebanese Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions Recipe

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4.3 from 208 reviews

Mujadara is a classic Lebanese dish combining tender lentils and fluffy long grain rice, seasoned with warm spices and topped with crispy caramelized onions. This hearty, flavorful, and wholesome recipe is perfect as a main meal or a side dish and comes together with simple pantry ingredients in just 40 minutes.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Crispy Onions

  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced

Mujadara

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 1½ cups lentils
  • 1½ cups long grain rice
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cups water
  • 1½ teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Crispy Onions: Heat 5 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Thinly slice 2 onions and set them aside for frying.
  2. Fry Onions: Add the sliced onions into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried onions from the oil and place them on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
  3. Sauté Onions for Mujadara: In a separate pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become golden and translucent.
  4. Cook Lentils: Add 1½ cups of lentils to the sautéed onions and stir well. Cook the lentils and onions together for 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors.
  5. Add Rice and Spices: Stir in 1½ cups of long grain rice, 1½ teaspoons of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice and lentils are evenly coated with the spices.
  6. Add Water and Salt: Pour 4 cups of water into the pot and add 1½ teaspoons of salt. Stir to dissolve the salt and distribute ingredients evenly.
  7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook gently for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are fully cooked and water is absorbed.
  8. Rest and Combine: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the mujadara sit covered for a few minutes to settle.
  9. Serve: Fluff the mujadara gently with a fork, mix in the crispy caramelized onions, and serve warm as a wholesome main dish or side.

Notes

  • Use brown or green lentils for best texture as they hold shape during cooking.
  • The crispy onions are key to adding texture and sweetness; do not skip frying them thoroughly.
  • Adjust water quantity if using older rice or lentils, as absorption may vary.
  • For a vegan option, this recipe is naturally plant-based and contains no animal products.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Lebanese
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/mujadara-lebanese-lentils-and-rice-with-crispy-onions-recipe/