Mujadara Recipes - Authentic Lebanese Mujadara with Rice, Lentils, Onions

Lentils are usually something you steer well clear of, and avoid with relish. However, the classic Lebanese Mujadara is a stellar exception.

Combining the lentils with rice and dark brown, caramelized onions makes an appealing dish that tantalizes the senses - combining aroma, taste, visual appearance and texture. The aroma lingers and permeates into the memory banks.

Mujadara is made from lentils, rice (or cracked wheat, Bulgur or even Quinoa or chick peas). It can be served moderately hot, or at room temperature. It can be combined with other dips and Lebanese dishes as a mezze, or and appetizer, often served with herbs and yogurt.

Mujadara is easy to make and is very versatile as you can use whatever ingredients you have in you kitchen at the time.

It makes a great entrée, side dish, main meal served with dips and Lebanese bread, and a fabulous snack.

Lovely Mujadara has an interesting range of textures and the caramelized onions really make this Lebanese dish very special.
Lovely Mujadara has an interesting range of textures and the caramelized onions really make this Lebanese dish very special. Source: Public Domain

Tips for Making Homemade Authentic Mujadara

Simple, Authentic Mujadara Recipe

For the Optional Fried Onion Ring Garnish

Put the lentils and 2 cups of water into a small saucepan. Using high heat, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until lentils are just about cooked. Don't overcook them or they will be mushy. Cooking time is 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the lentils. Remove from heat. Meanwhile, heat the canola oil over medium high heat in a large, heavy pan, with a lid. Add the onions and cook, while stirring until the onions start to get a deep golden brown color. Cook for 10 minutes, add a pinch of salt. Lower the temperature and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to stop the onions burning. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt as the onions cook. Remove the pan with the onions from the heat and add 2 cups of water. put the pan back on the stove, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 more minutes. This will help soften the the onions and the liquid will become golden brown.

Add the rice and partly-cooked lentils to the onion mixture in the pan and bring to a boil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook until all the liquid has been absorbed into the rice and the lentils have finished cooking. Don't overcook as you want the rice and lentils to still have texture. Serve into bowls and garnish with onion rings cooked as described below.

Heat the canola oil over high heat in a small saucepan. Test the temperature with a small piece of onion. When the piece causes many bubbles to form around it and the onion floats to the top the oil is ready. Using small batches, fry the onion rings until crisp and golden brown. Remove each batch when cooked and drain on paper towel. Serve the crisp brown onion rings on top of the mujadara.

Spicy Mujadara Recipe

Put 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, cumin in a pot, add the lentils, bring to the boil and then lower the heat. Simmer on very low heat for 20-30 minutes until the lentils just begin to soften. Add the rice, 1 teaspoon of salt, 3/4 cup water and the olive oil. Cover the pot and cook gently for about 40 minutes until both the rice and lentils have softened (but don't over-cook).

Using the method described above, or a very low cooking technique to brown the onions until they are caramelized and a deep brown color (don't burn). When cooked serve the lentil mixture into small bowls and top with the caramelized onions.

Mujadara with Leeks and Leafy Green Vegetables

Place lentils in a large bowl. Pour in warm water to cover the lentils by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Let soak while preparing the other ingredients. Slice the leeks in half lengthwise. Wash under running water to ensure there is in grit inside. Then slice crosswise.

Add the oil and garlic to a large heavy frying pan or Dutch oven, and heat using a medium-high setting. Add leeks and fry while stirring often, until they are crisp and golden brown (generally 5 - 10 minutes. Stir in the rice and sauté for an additional two minutes. Add the allspice, cumin and cayenne. Drain the lentils that have been soaking and add to the pot. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, 2 teaspoons salt, 4 1/4 cups water. Bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook, using low heat for about 15 minutes. 

Rinse greens in a colander, shake dry and add to the top of the lentil mixture, to wilt them. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 3-5 minutes more. Check that the rice and lentils are tender, but a little firm and that and greens are wilted. Remove from heat and set aside with the lid on for about 5 minutes. Serve into bowls and garnish with the crisp brown leeks that were cooked previously.





Homemade Mujadara is a delightful snack dish that is easy to prepare and is very healthy.
Homemade Mujadara is a delightful snack dish that is easy to prepare and is very healthy. Source: Public Domain
Mujadara is a great Cook-Once, Eat-Twice open with the dish being better the second day. Try one of the great recipes in this article.
Mujadara is a great Cook-Once, Eat-Twice open with the dish being better the second day. Try one of the great recipes in this article. Source: Public Domain
Slow cooked onions are a great accompaniment for the lentils of a spicy Mujadara. See the great recipes and cooking guide in this article.
Slow cooked onions are a great accompaniment for the lentils of a spicy Mujadara. See the great recipes and cooking guide in this article. Source: Public Domain
Lemon and coriander pairs well with a slow-cooked Mujadara dish. See the guide in this article for the best ingredients to include in your homemade dish.
Lemon and coriander pairs well with a slow-cooked Mujadara dish. See the guide in this article for the best ingredients to include in your homemade dish. Source: Public Domain
The colors and texture of a carefully prepared Mujadara dish are simply amazing. Learn to cook this dish here.
The colors and texture of a carefully prepared Mujadara dish are simply amazing. Learn to cook this dish here.. Source: Public Domain
Mujadara is delicious and easy to prepare. Try these homemade recipes.
Mujadara is delicious and easy to prepare. Try these homemade recipes. Source: Public Domain
Mujadara is a delight at any time and is very healthy especially when made with brown rice.
Mujadara is a delight at any time and is very healthy especially when made with brown rice. Source: Public Domain
Mujadara made with cracked wheat instead of rice. Chick peas can also be used
Mujadara made with cracked wheat instead of rice. Chick peas can also be used. Source: Public Domain
Lentils come in a variety of colors which can add interest to your homemade Mujadara dish
Lentils come in a variety of colors which can add interest to your homemade Mujadara dish. Source: Public Domain