Lebanese Mujadara – Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions

A humble Lebanese classic of tender lentils and rice crowned with sweet, deeply caramelized onions — pure comfort and completely vegan.

Total
55 min
Servings
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Calories · per serving
420 kcal

Written by

Ecem Akkaba · Dietitian

Dietitian, graduate of İstanbul Medipol University. She develops the recipes and nutrition values on FitZen.

Updated:

Lebanese Mujadara – Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions

In short

Lebanese Mujadara – Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions contains 420 calories per serving: 14 g protein, 72 g carbohydrate and 8 g fat. It takes 55 minutes in total and makes 2 servings.

About this recipe

Mujadara is a beloved Levantine dish where lentils and rice simmer together with warm spices. Sweet caramelized onions on top turn a simple pantry meal into something rich and deeply satisfying.

Method

  1. 1

    Rinse the lentils and simmer in 3 cups of water for about 15 minutes, until half-tender.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and slowly cook the sliced onions over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until deep golden and caramelized.

  3. 3

    Remove half the onions and set aside for the topping.

  4. 4

    Add the cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the pan with the remaining onions and stir for 1 minute.

  5. 5

    Add the rinsed rice, the spiced onions, salt, and pepper to the lentils.

  6. 6

    Cover and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, until the rice and lentils are tender and the water is absorbed.

  7. 7

    Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes, then fluff the grains.

  8. 8

    Serve topped with the reserved caramelized onions.

Tips

  • Cook the onions low and slow for natural sweetness — don't rush this step.
  • A squeeze of lemon and a spoon of vegan yogurt balance the dish beautifully.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day.

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