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Lentil Rice Pilaf with Caramelized Onions (Mujadara)

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A cozy, naturally vegan lentil and rice pilaf topped with deeply caramelized onions and aromatic spices. Mujadara is a pantry-friendly Middle Eastern dish that’s filling, comforting, and easy to prepare.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (main) or 6 (side)
  • Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup brown lentils, rinsed
  • 3 cups water (for boiling the lentils)
  • 1 cup long-grain white basmati rice
  • Cold water (for soaking the rice)
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, sliced into 1/4-inch strips
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional for serving: chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a crunchy chopped salad

Instructions

  1. Add rinsed lentils and 3 cups of water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook over medium-high heat until almost tender, 15–18 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. Soak in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  3. In a deep, heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook 18–22 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden. Transfer onions to a paper towel–lined plate. Leave oil in pot.
  4. Add drained rice to the pot and sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring until glossy.
  5. Add drained lentils, cumin, coriander, turmeric (if using), allspice, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Pour in 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a rolling boil.
  6. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Scatter caramelized onions over top. Place a paper towel under the lid and let sit for 10 minutes to steam.
  8. Remove lid and paper towel. Fluff with a fork, mixing onions through gently. Serve warm with parsley, lemon, and salad if desired.

Notes

  • Use green lentils as a substitute; just check doneness earlier.
  • Caramelizing extra onions adds sweetness and depth.
  • Add chickpeas, nuts, or herbs for more protein and texture.
  • Soak rice for fluffier texture; rinse well if skipping soak.
  • Let pilaf rest with a towel under the lid for best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/lentil-rice-pilaf-with-caramelized-onions-mujadara/