Print

Flavorful Mujaddara Recipe with Crispy Onions

flavorful mujaddara recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A budget-friendly Syrian classic combining earthy lentils, fluffy rice, and crispy caramelized onions for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (about 200g) brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (about 185g) long grain rice, preferably basmati
  • 3 large yellow or white onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin, toasted lightly
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1 to 1.5 teaspoons salt, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups (720ml) water or vegetable broth
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils and rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed lentils and cover with 3 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
  3. Add the rinsed rice, ground cumin, ground coriander (if using), salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine. Cover and simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  4. While the lentils and rice cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions in a single layer and fry gently, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy (about 15-20 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
  5. Fluff the lentil and rice mixture with a fork. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve topped generously with crispy onions and garnish with parsley or lemon juice if desired.

Notes

The key to perfect mujaddara is the crispy caramelized onions. Slice them thin and fry slowly over medium heat to avoid burning. Avoid stirring or lifting the lid during rice cooking to keep rice fluffy. If lentils absorb too much water before adding rice, add a splash of water to prevent sticking. Onions can be prepared ahead and re-crisped before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mujaddara, lentils and rice, crispy onions, Syrian recipe, budget-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, comfort food

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/flavorful-mujaddara-recipe-with-crispy-onions-easy-budget-friendly-syrian-lentils-and-rice/