Name: Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 3/4 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed; 1/2 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups water or vegetable broth; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; Salt and black pepper to taste

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If you’re searching for a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace, look no further than Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara). This classic dish combines tender lentils, fluffy rice, and sweetly caramelized onions for a hearty, healthy, and budget-friendly recipe that’s beloved across generations. Whether you’re new to Lebanese cuisine Main Course.

Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara) lies in its simplicity: just a few pantry staples transform into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the spices that add warmth to the onions that create irresistible sweetness and color.

Lentils: Brown or green lentils hold their shape well and bring a hearty, earthy flavor to the dish.
Long-grain white rice: Fluffy, tender rice soaks up all the delicious seasoning and gives the mujaddara its comforting texture.
Onion: Thinly sliced and slowly caramelized, onions become deeply sweet and golden, the signature topping for this dish.
Olive oil: Essential for cooking the onions and bringing rich, fruity undertones to every bite.
Water or vegetable broth: Cooking the lentils and rice in broth adds extra flavor, while water keeps it simple and classic.
Ground cumin: This spice infuses a subtle warmth and earthiness that’s unmistakably Middle Eastern.
Ground allspice: Just a touch adds complexity and a hint of sweetness to the overall profile.
Salt and black pepper: Season generously to bring all the flavors together and make the dish sing.

How to Make Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara)

Step 1: Cook the Lentils

Start by rinsing your lentils thoroughly, then place them in a medium saucepan with water or vegetable broth. Bring it all up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let the lentils simmer for about 15 minutes. This step ensures your lentils are tender but still hold their shape, setting the perfect foundation for Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara).

Step 2: Add Rice and Spices

Next, stir in the rinsed rice, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and let everything cook together over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes more. The rice and lentils will finish cooking at the same time, soaking up all the aromatic spices and savory goodness from the broth.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

While the lentils and rice work their magic, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and let them cook slowly, stirring often. After 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll have deeply golden, caramelized onions that are packed with flavor and ready to crown your mujaddara.

Step 4: Fluff and Finish

Once the rice and lentil mixture has absorbed all the liquid, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff it gently with a fork, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara) warm or at room temperature, topped generously with the caramelized onions.

How to Serve Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara)

Garnishes

The caramelized onions are non-negotiable, but you can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a dollop of plain yogurt to brighten things up. Each garnish adds its own flair and freshness to the dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, tangy pickles, or classic Lebanese yogurt (laban). These sides offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, earthy flavors of Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara).

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving mujaddara in individual bowls with an array of toppings on the side. Or, use it as a filling for roasted peppers or stuffed eggplant. However you choose to present it, this dish always feels special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making for an even tastier meal the next time around. Just make sure to keep the onions separate for best texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Let the mujaddara cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. The caramelized onions can be frozen in a separate bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick and satisfying meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. Add the reserved caramelized onions just before serving for that fresh-from-the-skillet flavor.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green?

Red lentils aren’t the best choice here, as they cook down much faster and tend to get mushy. For Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara), stick with brown or green lentils to get that perfect texture and structure.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is traditional and gives the fluffiest results, but you can swap in basmati for a delicately aromatic twist. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice, which can make the dish too dense.

Is mujaddara gluten-free?

Yes, Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara) is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and double-check your spices. It’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mujaddara actually develops even more flavor as it sits, making it a wonderful make-ahead dish for meal prep or gatherings. Just reheat and top with fresh caramelized onions when ready to serve.

How do I prevent the onions from burning?

The key is patience. Cook the onions over medium to low heat, stirring frequently, and don’t rush the process. The slow caramelization is what gives Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara) its signature sweetness and rich color.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting or rewarding as a bowl of Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara) shared around the table. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the hundredth, I hope this recipe brings as much joy and flavor to your kitchen as it has to mine. Give it a try—you just might find a new favorite to love.

Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice (Mujaddara) Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Simple Lebanese Lentils & Rice, known as Mujaddara, is a flavorful vegan Middle Eastern dish made with tender brown or green lentils, long-grain rice, and topped with caramelized onions. This comforting meal combines earthy spices like cumin and allspice, offering a nutritious and wholesome option perfect for any mealtime.

Ingredients

Scale

Legumes and Grains

3/4 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
1/2 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 large onion, thinly sliced

Liquids

2 cups water or vegetable broth

Spices and Oils

3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground allspice
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Lentils: In a medium saucepan, add the lentils and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the lentils start to soften.
Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the rinsed rice, ground cumin, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper into the saucepan. Cover with a lid and cook over low heat for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until both lentils and rice are tender and the liquid has been absorbed completely.
Caramelize the Onions: While the lentils and rice are cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, developing a rich sweetness.
Combine and Serve: Once the lentils and rice are cooked, fluff the mixture gently with a fork and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature, generously topping each portion with the caramelized onions for a traditional and delicious finish.

Notes

Traditionally served with plain yogurt or a fresh cucumber salad to complement the flavors.
Using cooked rice and lentils can speed up the preparation; just simmer briefly with the spices to let the flavors meld.
Avoid using red lentils as they become too soft and mushy for this dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Lebanese