Mujadara

5 from 5 votes

Lebanese spiced lentils and basmati rice are tossed with caramelized onions and fresh cilantro to make this flavor-packed mujadara. Delicious as a main dish or a show-stopping side!

Prep Time15

Cook Time1 10

Total Time1 25

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American, Lebanese

Servings: (as a main)

Calories: 492kcal

Author: Alissa

Ingredients

1 cup dried brown or green lentils
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ pounds yellow onion (about 3 medium onions), thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
1 ¾ cups vegetable broth
1 cup basmati rice
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place the oil and onions into a medium saucepan. Toss a few times to coat the onions and place the pot over medium low heat.
Allow the onions to cook for 45 to 60 minutes, until they're caramelized and slightly browned.
While the onions cook, place the lentils in medium saucepan. Cover them with water and place the pot over high heat.
Bring the water to a boil, lower the heat and allow it to simmer for until the lentils are tender (about 20 minutes for brown lentils, 40 for green).
Remove the pot from heat and drain the lentils into a colander. Set them aside.
When the onions have finished caramelizing, remove half of them from the pot and transfer them to a plate.
Raise the heat beneath the onions to medium, add the garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, and cook 1 minute more, until very fragrant.
Stir in the broth and rice.
Bring the liquid to a boil, lower the heat and cover. Allow the mixture to simmer until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed, 15-20 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
Stir the lentils, lemon juice and cilantro into the pot with the rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add extra lemon juice if you'd like.
Divide the mujadara onto plates and top with the reserved caramelized onions.

Nutrition