Servings
Font
Back
4.8 from 195 votes

Mujadara Lebanese Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions

Mujadara is a delightful fusion of simple ingredients and bold flavors. This Lebanese lentils and rice recipe calls for only a few ingredients and is very easy to make.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 761 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Crispy Onions
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 onions thinly sliced
Mujadara
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 1½ cups lentils
  • 1½ cups long grain rice
  • 1½ teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 cups water
  • 1½ teaspoons salt

Instructions

Crispy Onions
    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium high heat. Slice the onions thinly and set them aside.
  2. Fry the onions until golden and crispy. Take them out of the oil and place on a cooling rack for the excess oil to drip.
Mujadara
  1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until golden.
  2. Add in lentils, give a nice stir, and cook for two to three minutes. 
  3. Add rice, cumin, and cinnamon to the lentils. Stir well so everything is completely combined.
  4. Pour water into the pot with salt, bring to a simmer, cover and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes until the lentil and rice is completely cooked. 
  5. Once the mujadara is completely cooked, let it sit for a few minutes. Mix the lentils and rice with caramelized onion and serve.

Notes

  • Use Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain rice is ideal for Mujadara as it keeps the dish light and fluffy, with each grain of rice remaining separate. Avoid short-grain rice, which can become sticky.
  • Wash Rice: Wash the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps achieve separate, fluffy grains instead of a sticky mixture.
  • Adjust Water: Depending on the brand and type of rice and lentils you use, you may need to adjust the water. Keep an eye on the pot and add a little more water if needed to ensure everything cooks evenly.
  • Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: To prevent the lentils and rice from sticking or burning, use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking. This will help distribute the heat more effectively.

Nutrition Information

Calories 761kcal (38%) Carbohydrates 107g (36%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Sodium 897mg (37%) Potassium 901mg (26%) Fiber 25g (100%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 28IU (1%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 99mg (10%) Iron 7mg (39%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 761

% Daily Value*

Calories 761kcal 38%
Carbohydrates 107g 36%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Sodium 897mg 37%
Potassium 901mg 19%
Fiber 25g 100%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 28IU 1%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 99mg 10%
Iron 7mg 39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.