published 5/20/2020
Mujadara is basically Lentils, Rice, and Onions. There are many variations with different spices and toppings, but no matter what, you get a wonderful, comforting bowl of yum. My recipe is Perfectly Imperfect with aromatic Eastern spices and a ton of caramelized Onions that will fill your belly with nutrition and goodness!!
PREP TIME: 5-10 minutes
COOK TIME: 45 minutes
SERVINGS: 4-6
ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Lentils*
- 1 cup Basmati Rice**
- 2 cups Stock (Vegetable or Chicken)
- 2 TBSP Avocado Oil (or equivalent high heat oil)
- 5 Onions (3-chopped, 2-sliced)
- 2 TBSP Butter***
- 2 TSP Cumin
- 1 TSP Cinnamon
- 1 TSP Chili Powder
- 1 TSP Tumeric (optional)
Garnish
- Plain Greek Yogurt
- Chopped Cashews
- Chopped Cliantro
- Chopped Dates
- Drizzled Honey
*Brown or Black Lentils are the best for this dish because they are more firm and won’t get mushy. However, I used Red Lentils (because that’s what I had in the pantry) and my family very much enjoyed the soft consistency of it.
**Basmati Rice, again, is best to use because of it’s texture. I used White Jasmine Rice so the whole dish was on the softer side. (Whatever Rice you use make sure to follow the instructions on the package when it comes to cook time and liquid to add.)
***If you are Vegan or Vegetarian you can use Oil instead of Butter or any Plant-based Butter (my favorite is Country Crock Avocado Butter!)
instructions
Note: You can soak the Lentils ahead of time in cold water to reduce the starches and cut down the cooking time. If you do, make sure to rinse thoroughly and only simmer for 7 minutes.
- Add Lentils and 5 cups of Water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat , cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
- Add Rice to the pot and pour in Stock (amount according to package.) Season with Salt and Pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes (or the cooking time on the package.) Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, heat Oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add Chopped Onions, season with Salt and Peppers, and saute until nicely browned (10-15 minutes.)
- Mix the Onions into the Rice and Lentils, add in all the Spices, and stir. Cover to keep warm.
- In the same pan as before, heat Butter over low heat. Add Sliced Onions and cook for about 15 minutes (or until nicely caramelized.) If you want them to be a little crispy, turn the heat to high at the end for a minute or two.
- Top the Lentils and Rice with the caramelized Onions, and garnish with Yogurt, Cashews, and Cilantro. Enjoy!!
Did you try this recipe? Please share any comments or suggestions below!!
