Mujadara Recipe (Lebanese Rice)
Mujadara is a beloved staple in Lebanese cuisine, celebrated for its hearty flavors and comforting textures. This dish combines perfectly cooked basmati rice and lentils, topped with caramelized onions that bring sweetness to every bite. The aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen will have everyone excited for dinner. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, Mujadara is sure to impress!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
– Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious choice.
– The combination of spices elevates the flavors beautifully.
– Vegan and gluten-free, appealing to a wide variety of dietary preferences.
– The caramelized onions add a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the earthiness of the lentils.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 cup green lentils or brown – Provides a hearty base and is rich in protein.
- 1 cup basmati rice – Delivers a fluffy texture and aromatic flavor.
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water – Adds depth of flavor; broth is preferable for richness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing spices and enhancing flavor.
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds – Offers a warm, citrusy note.
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds or 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds a nutty, earthy flavor.
- 2 teaspoons salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon smashed allspice seeds or ½ teaspoon ground allspice – Introduces a complex, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric – Imparts a lovely golden color and subtle flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Provides a mild heat.
- 3 large sweet onions, peeled and sliced – Essential for that delicious caramelization.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or GF flour mix – For lightly coating the onions before frying.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Necessary for frying the onions to a perfect crisp.
- Chopped cilantro and lemon wedges – For garnish and a fresh, zesty finish.
Recommended Tools
- Large pot or Dutch oven – Ideal for cooking the rice and lentils together.
- Frying pan – For caramelizing the onions to golden perfection.
- Wooden spoon – Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accuracy in your recipe.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – Necessary for slicing onions and prepping ingredients.
Mujadara Recipe (Lebanese Rice) Cooking Guide
Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Lentils
Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. If you have time, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to help them cook faster.
Step 2: Cook the Lentils
In a large pot, bring 3 cups of the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils and 1 teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
In the same pot, add the remaining vegetable broth or water and bring it to a boil. Stir in the basmati rice and the remaining salt. Once it boils again, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Spice It Up
While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the coriander and cumin seeds, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the allspice, cinnamon, turmeric, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
Step 5: Caramelize the Onions
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced onions with the flour until they are lightly coated. In the same frying pan, add the vegetable oil and heat it. Once hot, add the prepared onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once the rice and lentils are cooked, gently fold them together in the large pot. Add the spiced oil mixture and half of the caramelized onions, stirring to combine evenly.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the Mujadara onto a serving platter and top with the remaining caramelized onions. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lemon wedges for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your Mujadara warm!
Budget & Availability Swaps
- Lentils: Use any type of lentils you have on hand, but green or brown are preferred for their texture.
- Rice: If basmati isn’t available, Jasmine rice can be a good substitute.
- Vegetable broth: You can use water if broth is unavailable, though broth adds more flavor.
- Spices: Ground spices can be used instead of whole seeds if that’s what you have.
What I Learned Testing
- Soaking the lentils not only speeds up the cooking time but also ensures a more tender texture.
- Caramelizing onions takes patience, but it’s worth it for the depth of flavor they bring to the dish.
- Using a mix of whole and ground spices creates a more complex flavor profile.
- Garnishing with fresh herbs and citrus brightens the dish and balances the earthiness of the lentils.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
Mujadara can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if necessary. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more flavorful on the second day!
Common Questions
Can I make Mujadara ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mujadara can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors improve as it sits, making it a great meal prep option.
Is Mujadara gluten-free?
Yes, Mujadara is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free flour for the onions. Just ensure your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the rice and lentil mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
What can I serve with Mujadara?
Mujadara pairs beautifully with a simple salad, yogurt, or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Super Fluffy Pancakes
- Creamy Pasta with Broccoli and Bacon
- Vegan Banana Bread
- The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Final Thoughts
Mujadara is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, follow this Mujadara Recipe (Lebanese Rice), and enjoy a delicious meal that warms the heart and delights the palate!
Mujadara Recipe (Lebanese Rice)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. If you have time, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to help them cook faster.
- In a large pot, bring 3 cups of the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils and 1 teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the remaining vegetable broth or water and bring it to a boil. Stir in the basmati rice and the remaining salt. Once it boils again, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the coriander and cumin seeds, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the allspice, cinnamon, turmeric, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced onions with the flour until they are lightly coated. In the same frying pan, add the vegetable oil and heat it. Once hot, add the prepared onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the rice and lentils are cooked, gently fold them together in the large pot. Add the spiced oil mixture and half of the caramelized onions, stirring to combine evenly.
- Spoon the Mujadara onto a serving platter and top with the remaining caramelized onions. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lemon wedges for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your Mujadara warm!
Notes
- Mujadara can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For added nutrition, feel free to incorporate vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Soaking the lentils speeds up the cooking time and ensures a more tender texture.
