Description
Authentic Lebanese Mujadara is a comforting and flavorful dish made with brown lentils, long-grain rice, and caramelized onions, seasoned with warm spices like cumin and cinnamon. This wholesome vegetarian meal is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a perfect balance of textures and rich flavors, served with fresh herbs and lemon wedges to brighten every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Legumes and Grains
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup long-grain rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 large onions (sliced)
Oils and Spices
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional but recommended)
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Liquids
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced onions. Cook them slowly for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Reserve half of the caramelized onions for topping later.
- Cook the Lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown lentils with 4 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Add Rice and Spices: To the saucepan with lentils, add the rinsed long-grain rice along with the ground cumin and ground cinnamon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
- Combine and Fluff: Gently fluff the cooked rice and lentil mixture with a fork to separate the grains. Mix in the reserved caramelized onions and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to enrich the flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the Mujadara to a serving dish. Top it with the remaining caramelized onions and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve alongside lemon wedges for a bright, tangy finish.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking lentils.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to the dish’s signature sweetness and texture.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon and cumin elevates the authentic Middle Eastern taste but can be omitted if preferred.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Keywords: Lebanese Mujadara, lentils and rice, Middle Eastern vegetarian, caramelized onions, cumin and cinnamon, healthy lentil dish
