A humble Lebanese classic of tender lentils and rice crowned with sweet, deeply caramelized onions — pure comfort and completely vegan.
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 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.
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.
Rinse the lentils and simmer in 3 cups of water for about 15 minutes, until half-tender.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and slowly cook the sliced onions over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until deep golden and caramelized.
Remove half the onions and set aside for the topping.
Add the cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the pan with the remaining onions and stir for 1 minute.
Add the rinsed rice, the spiced onions, salt, and pepper to the lentils.
Cover and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, until the rice and lentils are tender and the water is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes, then fluff the grains.
Serve topped with the reserved caramelized onions.
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