Lebanese Mujadara
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Lebanese Mujadara is a lentil and rice, satisfying and simple dinner recipe! This one-pot healthy meal is vegan, low fat and full of flavor. With only a handful of ingredients, this simple Lebanese inspired dish is ready in about 30 minutes and requires very little work. Perfect for meal prep too!
Growing up, I never really appreciated Mujadara, but thankfully I have smarter taste buds these days.
What is Lebanese Mujadara?
Mujadara is a traditional vegan Middle Eastern Lentil and rice dish. It is served and cooked in different forms, and goes by different names depending on the culture. Here’s a list of alternative names and pronunciation: mujaddara, mjadara mjadarah, majadra, mejadra, moujadara, mudardara, and megadarra. In this Lebanese Mujadara recipe, I use brown lentils and long grain rice. Lebanese Mujadara is also often made with red lentils- also known as Mujadara Hamra. Here is the recipe for Red Lentil Mujadara
Caramelized Onions for Lebanese Mujadara Recipe (Mjadara):
Mujadara takes lots of onions, that’s where all the flavor comes in. You will thinly dice the majority (about 3) of the onions and cook them with the lentils and rice and you’ll slice one large onion into wedges and caramelize it to serve on top of the mujadara. The caramelized onions on top are optional.
How To Make Lebanese Mujadara- Lebanese Lentils and Rice
- In the large non-stick pan heat two tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat for a few minutes. You know your oil is ready when you add a piece of onion and it sizzles on contact. Add 1 large wedged onion and fry until golden brown and caramelized mixing frequently for about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside to serve on top of mujadara later.
- In the same pan, heat the rest of the olive oil on medium heat and fry 3 large thinly chopped onions until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add rinsed lentils, salt and about 5 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the lentils are tender – This will take about 20 minutes, and most the water will get absorbed by the lentils or boil off
- Now add the rinsed rice and another 2 cups of warm water. Bring mixture back to boil, cover the pot and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice and lentils are both cooked through – this will take about 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally to prevent mixture from sticking to bottom of skillet.
- Taste and adjust salt.
- Transfer Mujadara to serving plates immediately while still hot.
- Top each plate with caramelized onions if you’d like.
- Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.
- Enjoy!
CAN YOU MAKE LEBANESE MUJADARA AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, this Lebanese lentil and rice dish can be made up to 4 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. This recipe can also be frozen in individual servings and reheated from frozen or defrosted in the fridge before reheating.
WHAT KIND OF RICE DO YOU NEED TO USE IN MUJADARA RECIPE?
This recipe calls for rice that will cook along side the lentils. You will want to use a type of rice that doesn’t’ get over cooked while the lentils are cooking. I prefer long grain rice, such as Uncle Bens over short or medium grain rice because it adds a better texture to this dish.
Wondering what to serve with mjadara? I’ve got you covered:
If you’ve tried this healthy Lebanese Mujadara recipe or any other recipe on The Salt and Sweet Kitchen, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. You can also join my Facebook group where you can share a picture of the recipes that you’ve tried 🙂
The Best Lebanese Mujadara Recipe:
Mujadara
With this four ingredients recipe: Lentils, rice, onions and olive oil; you can make a very simple and healthy vegan meal. Mujadara!
Ingredients
- 1 lb brown lentils (about 2.5 cups)- rinsed and drained
- 7 cups warm water
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large onions, chopped into small pieces (3 thinly chopped, and 1 sliced into wedges)
- 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 3/4 cup medium grain rice
Instructions
- In the large non-stick pan heat two tablespoons olive oil on medium-high heat for a few minutes. You know your oil is ready when you add a piece of onion and it sizzles on contact. Add the 1 large wedged chopped onion and fry until golden brown and caramelized mixing frequently, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside to serve on top of mujadara later.
- In the same pan, heat another two tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat and fry 3 thinly chopped onions until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add rinsed lentils, salt and about 5 cups of water. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the lentils are tender – This will take about 20 minutes, and most the water will get absorbed.
- Now add the rinsed rice and another 2 cups of warm water. Bring mixture back to boil, cover the pot and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice and lentils are both cooked through – this will take about 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally to prevent mixture from sticking to bottom of skillet.
- Taste and adjust salt.
- Transfer Mujadara to serving plates immediately while still hot.
- Top each plate with caramelized onions if you’d like.
- Serve hot, warm or at room temperature with your favorite salad and pita bread.
- Enjoy!
Recommended Products
The recommended products below are affiliate links to products I use and love!
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Wusthof 9718-3 Precise Laser Cut High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set with 17 Slot Walnut Block – Model 9718 -
John Boos CB1054-1M2418150 Cutting Board, 24 Inches x 18 Inches x 1.5 Inches, Maple with Juice Groove -
All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless Cookware Set, Pots and Pans, 5-Ply Stainless Steel, Professional Grade, 10-Piece - 8400001085
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 230Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 368mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 7gSugar: 5gProtein: 9g
Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
Rose
Making mujadara is very simple, I agree. Thanks for stopping by.
AntonioHak
How to make mujadara recipe? Pour water into the pot with salt, bring to simmer and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes until the lentil and rice is completely cooked.
Rose
Glad to hear!
Manal
Great recipe!