Mediterranean🍚 Starches

Mujadara: Rice & Lentil Comfort Food

Name: Mujadara: Rice & Lentil Comfort Food
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 500 g white or yellow onions; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp sugar; ¾ tsp salt; 250 g water (for caramelizing onions); 1 tbsp apple cider or balsamic vinegar; 200 g dried green or brown lentils; 4 cups water (for cooking lentils); 1 tsp salt (for cooking lentils); 100 g basmati rice; 3 cups water (for cooking rice); ½ tsp salt (for cooking rice); 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 4 scallions, finely chopped (reserve green tops for garnish); 2 garlic cloves, pressed or grated; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp turmeric powder (optional, not traditional); ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ tsp salt (to taste); ⅛ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped (optional)

⏱ 90 min

Mujadara is a comforting Middle Eastern dish made with cooked lentils and rice, flavored with warm spices, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs. Nutritious, satisfying, and easy to prepare.

High-proteinLow-cal

Adapted from a video by Nico's Recipes

Mujadara: Rice & Lentil Comfort Food

Watch on YouTube

Ingredients

white or yellow onions500 g
olive oil1 tbsp
sugar1 tbsp
salt¾ tsp
water (for caramelizing onions)250 g
apple cider or balsamic vinegar1 tbsp
dried green or brown lentils200 g
water (for cooking lentils)4 cups
salt (for cooking lentils)1 tsp
basmati rice100 g

Steps

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1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Slice the onions and add to the pan, seasoning with salt and sugar.
2
Sauté the onions on high heat for about 5 minutes, then add water and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the pan dries out and the onions are golden brown and tender.
3
Bring a pot of water to boil. Rinse the lentils and add to the boiling water with salt. Simmer for 15 to 35 minutes until tender.
4
Simultaneously, boil water in another pot. Rinse the rice and add to the boiling water with salt. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked with a slight bite.
5
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped white and light green parts of scallions and sauté for a couple of minutes.
6
Add the pressed or grated garlic, then add all the spices: paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Toast the spices for about 1 minute.
7
When the caramelized onions are ready, add vinegar and stir for a couple of minutes until absorbed.
8
Drain the lentils and rice. Add the cooked rice, lentils, and half of the caramelized onions to the skillet with the spice base.
9
Add chopped cilantro and parsley, season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10
Serve the mujadara on a plate or large platter topped with the remaining caramelized onions, scallion greens, and fresh cilantro. Optionally serve with yogurt tahini sauce.

Mujadara: Rice & Lentil Comfort Food

Ingredients

Steps

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