Mujadara, one of the most delicious dishes ever. Its distinct flavor makes me want to have it every day and it's ready in 30 minutes.
Mujadara, a wonderfully good and flavorful Middle Eastern dish! I'd never tried it before and I knew I would love it, but I'd never find the time to actually make it. The truth is it is ready in just 30 minutes!
This mujadara recipe is pretty simple and made with healthy and nutritious ingredients. It makes the perfect vegan lunch or dinner and it's also great to take to the office. Let me know how you like it!
How to make mujadara
- Heat the oil for the mujadara in a large skillet and when it’s hot, add the garlic, stir, and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown.
- Add the cumin and the pepper, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
- Incorporate the rice, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the water, stir, bring to a boil, and then simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
- In the meantime, cook the caramelized onions. Add the oil to a skillet, and when it’s hot, add the onions, then fry them for about 15 minutes. Finally, season with the salt and pepper.
- Once the rice is cooked, add the salt and the lentils, stir until well combined, and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add the caramelized onions and the parsley on top.
- Serve your mujadara immediately.
Ingredients and tips
- Extra virgin olive oil: I’m Spanish, so I use extra virgin olive oil to cook most of my dishes, including this mujadara. However, feel free to use any type of oil. I always use extra virgin oils when possible because they’re healthier. If you don’t consume oil, just use some vegetable stock or water instead.
- Garlic.
- Ground cumin.
- Ground black pepper: fresh ground black pepper tastes amazing. However, I find the store-bought one to be more convenient and also easier to measure with a teaspoon.
- Long-grain white rice.
- Water.
- Salt: I used ionized salt, but this mujadara recipe will actually work with any kind of salt.
- Canned or cooked lentils.
- Fresh parsley: you can omit this ingredient or use any other type of fresh herb instead.
- Onions: feel free to prepare your mujadara with your favorite onions.
What is mujadara?
If you're wondering what is mujadara, I'll tell you right away. Mujadara is a Middle Eastern recipe consisting basically of rice, lentils, and caramelized onions. The combination of rice and lentils makes it a recipe packed with good-quality vegan protein and the onions give it a wonderful contrast of flavors.
This is the first time I try this recipe and I can say that it is already one of my favorites - simple, delicious, comforting, and extremely easy to make. As you can see, I absolutely love it!
What to serve with mujadara
Although this mujadara recipe really is out of this world, I felt like it needed some veggies, but I didn't want to spoil the original recipe. So I do think you can serve it with some refreshing salads, such as my Asian slaw, or kale salad.
Another good option is to serve your mujadara with some delicious veggie stir fry on the side. It'll make a wonderful contrast of flavors!
Looking for more main dishes?
Did you make this mujadara recipe?
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Mujadara
Ingredients
For the mujadara:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, sliced
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 and ½ cups canned or cooked lentils
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the caramelized onions:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 onions, julienned
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil for the mujadara in a large skillet and when it’s hot, add the garlic, stir, and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Add the cumin and the pepper, stir, and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Incorporate the rice, stir, and cook for 1-2 minutes, also stirring frequently.
- Add the water, stir, bring to a boil, and then simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is fully cooked.
- In the meantime, cook the caramelized onions. Add the oil to a skillet, and when it’s hot, add the onions, then fry them for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently until caramelized. Finally, season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Once the rice is cooked, add the salt and the lentils, stir until well combined, and cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and add the caramelized onions and the parsley on top.
- Serve immediately or keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
- To make this mujadara recipe you can use any type of oil.
- Feel free to customize your mujadara with any veggies or spices you like.
- I guess you could also use a different type of rice, but you may need to add more or less water.
- For a healthier and lighter version of this mujadara recipe, you could omit the caramelized onions.
Kevin says
Wonderful recipe,economical and delicious.Thank you so much
Iosune says
Hi Kevin! So glad you liked it 🙂
Gina Caracci says
I cant wait to try this!! I dont like lentils but have tons of yellow split peas so I will use them instead. Awesome, Ty!!
Iosune Robles says
Hope you like it Gina 🙂 Have a nice day!
Sandra Duggan says
I haven't made yours yet, but I made my own when my local Mediterranean stopped including the carmelized onions! They said it took too much time when they were trying to keep their customers happy with quick turn-around times. Maybe I can try your recipe this weekend - it looks like the real deal, thanks!
Iosune Robles says
Hi Sandra! I hope you enjoy our mujadara recipe 🙂
Jo says
Wow, this looks amazing
Iosune Robles says
Thank you so much! Enjoy it 🙂