📝 About This Recipe
Mujadara is the quintessential Levantine 'peasant dish' that proves how humble ingredients like lentils, rice, and onions can transform into something truly majestic. This recipe features earthy green lentils and fragrant basmati rice, layered with the deep, jammy sweetness of slow-cooked onions and a touch of warm spice. It is a protein-packed, plant-based masterpiece that is as nutritious as it is soul-satisfying.
🥗 Ingredients
The Pulse and Grain
- 1 cup Green or Brown Lentils (rinsed and picked over for stones)
- 1 cup Basmati Rice (soaked for 20 minutes and drained)
- 4 cups Water (divided use)
The Aromatics and Spices
- 4 large Yellow Onions (thinly sliced into half-moons)
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high quality)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (whole)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Sea Salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
For Garnish and Serving
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons Pine Nuts (toasted until golden)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place the rinsed lentils in a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes until the lentils are par-cooked (tender but still having a firm 'bite'). Do not overcook them into mush.
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2
While the lentils simmer, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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3
Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to brown.
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4
Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the onions for another 15-20 minutes. You want them to become a deep, dark mahogany brown. If they stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
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5
Once the onions are deeply caramelized, use a slotted spoon to remove about half of them to a paper-towel-lined plate. These will be your crispy topping.
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6
To the remaining onions in the pot, add the cumin seeds, allspice, and cinnamon. Toast for 1 minute until fragrant.
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7
Drain the par-cooked lentils, reserving the dark cooking liquid. Measure the liquid; you need 1.5 cups. If you don't have enough, top it off with plain water.
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8
Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot with the spiced onions. Stir for 2 minutes to coat the rice grains in the flavored oil.
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9
Stir the par-cooked lentils, the 1.5 cups of reserved cooking liquid, salt, and pepper into the rice mixture.
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10
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and turn the heat down to the lowest setting.
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11
Cook for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid. This allows the rice to steam perfectly.
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12
Turn off the heat. Place a clean kitchen towel over the pot, replace the lid, and let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. This absorbs excess moisture and ensures fluffy grains.
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13
Fluff the Mujadara gently with a fork, incorporating the onions and spices evenly.
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14
Transfer to a large serving platter. Top generously with the reserved crispy onions, toasted pine nuts, and fresh parsley.
💡 Chef's Tips
Don't rush the onions; their deep caramelization provides 90% of the dish's flavor profile. Always use the lentil cooking water for the rice; it contains nutrients and gives the dish its signature dark hue. If using brown lentils, they may take 2-3 minutes longer than green lentils; just ensure they aren't mushy before adding the rice. For extra crispy topping onions, toss the raw slices in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch before frying. Avoid red lentils for this dish as they break down too quickly and won't hold their shape.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of cold, garlicky cucumber and mint yogurt (Tzatziki or Kh'yar bi Laban). A fresh Palestinian salad of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon juice provides a bright acidic contrast. Pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an Araq on ice. Add a drizzle of spicy Harissa or Shatta if you enjoy a kick of heat. Serve warm or at room temperature; it’s actually even better the next day!