Mujadara Lentils Rice Onions (Print-Friendly Recipe)

Lentils and rice cooked with caramelized onions and spices for a delicious, savory Middle Eastern staple.

# Ingredients List:

→ Produce

01 - 5 small to medium onions, sliced

→ Dry Goods

02 - 1.5 cups green or brown lentils
03 - 1 cup brown or white rice

→ Liquids

04 - 5 to 5.5 cups water, divided

→ Seasonings

05 - 1 tablespoon vegetable bouillon powder
06 - 1.5 teaspoons salt, divided
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 2 bay leaves
09 - Black pepper to taste

→ Oils

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - If using brown rice, soak the grains in water for 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
02 - Combine soaked brown rice with 2 1/2 cups of water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then stir in bouillon powder, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
03 - While rice simmers, soak lentils in cold water for several minutes, then drain to ensure even cooking.
04 - Thinly slice onions. Use a mix of yellow and red onions or your preferred type.
05 - After 20 minutes, add drained lentils and 3 cups water to the rice pot. Stir, cover, bring back to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
06 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, stir, and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, then uncover, add cumin and 1/2 teaspoon salt, and continue cooking uncovered for 5–10 more minutes, stirring frequently, until deeply golden.
07 - Once the rice and lentils are done, taste to ensure both are tender. If needed, simmer a few minutes longer. Remove from heat and let stand covered for several minutes.
08 - Discard bay leaves. Fold about two-thirds of the caramelized onions into the lentils and rice mixture, reserving the remaining third for topping.
09 - Portion into bowls. Garnish generously with reserved onions and, if desired, a dollop of dairy-free yogurt and chopped parsley or cilantro.

# Extra Information:

01 - Soaking both lentils and rice leads to even cooking and softer texture.
02 - Cooking times depend on the rice variety; refer to packaging for accuracy.
03 - This dish can be accompanied by vegan yogurt or fresh herbs.

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