Delicious Rice and Lentils with Caramelized Onions Recipe

A warm bowl of Rice and Lentils with Caramelized Onions (Mujaddara) is like a cozy hug from the inside. Imagine ladling a generous portion of fluffy rice mingled with tender lentils topped off with sweet, golden onions. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a culinary siren song, promising pure comfort food bliss.

Growing up in my family, this dish was the superstar of our weeknight dinners. It brought us together around the table for stories and laughter, making every spoonful taste even better. Perfect for cold evenings or when you need a satisfying meal that warms your soul.

I remember the first time I made this for friends; they were hooked after just one bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Long-Grain Rice: Choose high-quality long-grain rice for the best texture; basmati works wonders here.
• Green or Brown Lentils: Opt for green or brown lentils as they hold their shape well during cooking.
• Onions: Use sweet onions for caramelization; they turn golden brown and yield fantastic flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: Homemade or store-bought broth adds depth; avoid salty varieties if possible.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; its richness enhances the overall taste.
• Spices: Ground cumin and cinnamon elevate the dish’s flavor profile; don’t skip these!
• Salt & Pepper: Adjust according to taste; seasoning is crucial in bringing out all the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish; plus, it looks fancy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on a clean surface. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.

Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until deeply caramelized—about 15-20 minutes—stirring often to prevent burning.

Add Lentils & Spices: Toss in rinsed lentils along with cumin and cinnamon into the skillet. Stir everything together until fragrant—smell that heavenly aroma!

Add Rice & Broth: Pour in your rinsed rice followed by vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.

Simmer Away!: Reduce heat to low, cover your skillet tightly, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until both rice and lentils are tender.

Fluff & Serve!: Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Top generously with caramelized onions.

And voilà! You’ve just created an unforgettable bowl of Rice and Lentils with Caramelized Onions (Mujaddara). Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about those cozy dinner moments shared around your table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by caramelizing the onions first; then cook the lentils and rice simultaneously. This method ensures rich flavors and perfect texture, allowing everything to blend beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option. You can also add spices like cumin or coriander to enhance the flavor profile further.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist and delicious.

I remember serving mujaddara at a family gathering, and my uncle asked if I had secretly discovered culinary magic! It’s those moments that make cooking so rewarding.

FAQ

Can I make mujaddara vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan and packed with plant-based protein.

What side dishes pair well with mujaddara?

Serve mujaddara with a fresh salad or yogurt sauce for a delightful balance.

How can I enhance the flavor of caramelized onions?

Add a pinch of salt during cooking to draw out moisture and intensify sweetness.

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Rice and Lentils with Caramelized Onions (Mujaddara)

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• Author: Rachel Simmons
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Rice and Lentils with Caramelized Onions (Mujaddara) is a comforting, hearty dish that blends fluffy rice, tender lentils, and sweet caramelized onions for a delightful meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long-grain rice (preferably basmati)
• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 large sweet onions
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until caramelized (15-20 minutes), stirring frequently.
3. Stir in rinsed lentils, cumin, and cinnamon; cook until fragrant.
4. Add rinsed rice and vegetable broth; bring to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice and lentils are tender.
6. Remove from heat, let sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and top with caramelized onions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - For a gluten-free option, substitute quinoa for rice. - Enhance flavors by adding coriander or extra spices to taste.