Go Back
+ servings
5 from 5 votes
Wooden Surface Set with a Plate of Mujadara with Fork
Mujadara
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 10 mins
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
 

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!

Course: Entree
Cuisine: American, Lebanese
Servings: 4 (as a main)
Calories: 492 kcal
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
Instructions
  1. 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. 

  2. Allow the onions to cook for 45 to 60 minutes, until they're caramelized and slightly browned. 

  3. While the onions cook, place the lentils in medium saucepan. Cover them with water and place the pot over high heat. 

  4. 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).

  5. Remove the pot from heat and drain the lentils into a colander. Set them aside.

  6. When the onions have finished caramelizing, remove half of them from the pot and transfer them to a plate. 

  7. Raise the heat beneath the onions to medium, add the garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, and cook 1 minute more, until very fragrant.

  8. Stir in the broth and rice.

  9. 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. 

  10. Remove the pot from heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.

  11. 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.

  12. Divide the mujadara onto plates and top with the reserved caramelized onions.

Nutrition Facts
Mujadara
Amount Per Serving
Calories 492 Calories from Fat 80
% Daily Value*
Fat 8.9g14%
Saturated Fat 1.4g7%
Sodium 640mg27%
Potassium 895mg26%
Carbohydrates 83.6g28%
Fiber 19.3g77%
Sugar 8.7g10%
Protein 20.1g40%
Calcium 80mg8%
Iron 5.4mg30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.