Best Mujadara Recipe (Middle Eastern Lentil & Rice) 🍚🥄

✔️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
✔️ Cook Time: 40 minutes
✔️ Total Time: 50 minutes
✔️ Servings: 4
✔️ Category: Main Course
✔️ Cuisine: Middle Eastern

This Mujadara recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish with lentils, rice, and crispy caramelized onions. A simple yet satisfying Middle Eastern comfort food that’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 4 cups water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Lentils

• In a large pot, add lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set the lentils aside.

2. Cook the Rice

• In the same pot, add rice, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
• Pour in 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.

3. Caramelize the Onions

• While the rice and lentils are cooking, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the onions and sauté until soft and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they caramelize evenly.
• Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Combine and Serve

• Once the rice and lentils are done, gently mix them together in a large serving bowl.
• Top with the caramelized onions.
• Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 330
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg

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Pro Tips & Variations

✔ For extra flavor: Add a pinch of allspice to the rice while it cooks.
✔ Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
✔ To Serve: Serve with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.
✔ Add nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.

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Try more Middle Eastern Recipes:

✅ Best Mujadara Recipe
✅ Middle Eastern Lentil Rice Recipe
✅ Easy Mujadara with Caramelized Onions
✅ Healthy Mujadara Recipe
✅ Vegan Mujadara with Rice and Lentils

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