CARAMELISED ONION MUJADARA LENTILS AND RICE
Mujadara is a beloved Middle Eastern comfort dish that combines humble ingredients, such as lentils, rice, olive oil, cumin and onions, into something truly satisfying. This single-serving version of captures the essence of the traditional recipe with warm spices, soft rice, hearty lentils and deeply caramelised onions. Its simplicity is matched by its nutritional value, offering a high-fibre, protein-rich meal that’s naturally vegan and budget-friendly. The key to authentic mujadara lies in slow-cooked onions that develop a golden-brown sweetness, perfectly complementing the earthy grains. This wholesome dish is ideal for lunch, dinner or meal prepping, especially for those seeking a hearty plant-based meal without being heavy. This Caramelised Onion Mujadara Lentils And Rice is made with minimal preparation and everyday pantry staples. This dish comes together quickly. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a tangy side salad or yoghurt, mujadara remains a timeless expression of nourishment and flavour.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Middle Eastern
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Sauté, One-Pot Wonders, Prepared in Advance
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner, Ramadan, Fall, Family Reunion, Picnic, Potluck, Back to School, Winter
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Healthy, Quick & Easy, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Main Course
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for Caramelised Onion Mujadara Lentils And Rice:
- 48 grams | 1.69 ounces | ¼ cup cooked lentils
- 50 grams | 1.76 ounces | ¼ cup cooked rice
- 20 grams | 0.71 ounces | ½ small onion, thinly sliced
- 5 millilitres | 0.08 fluid ounces | ½ teaspoon olive oil
- 5 grams | 0.02 ounces | ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 36 grams | 0.01 ounces | salt to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 178 kilocalories
- Protein: 5.5 grams
- Fat: 3.3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbohydrate: 32.2 grams
- Sugars: 2.9 grams
- Fibre: 5.3 grams
- Sodium: 40 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Caramelised Onion Mujadara Lentils And Rice:
- Prepare The Onions: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium flame. Add the sliced onions and sauté slowly for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until they turn golden and caramelised.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin and add a pinch of salt. Continue stirring for another minute to bloom the spice and deepen the flavour.
- Combine Lentils and Rice: Add the cooked lentils and rice to the pan with the onions. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Heat Through: Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through fully and the flavours to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve warm as a hearty, stand-alone dish or with optional garnishes like parsley or a squeeze of lemon.
PREPARATION TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
15 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Caramelised Onion Mujadara Lentils And Rice:
- Slow Cook Onions: Don’t rush the onion caramelisation because low heat is key to developing sweetness and depth.
- Use Pre-Cooked Grains: This recipe works best with pre-cooked rice and lentils for a quick and easy meal.
- Leftover Friendly: This is a great way to use leftover lentils and rice from previous meals.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch of caramelised onions in advance and freeze them for future quick meals.
- Serve With Acidity: A squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of yoghurt balances the richness of the onions.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Mujadara: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chilli while cooking for extra heat.
- Tomato Twist: Stir in a spoonful of chopped tomato or tomato paste for a tangy contrast.
- Green Addition: Add chopped spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Garlic Flavour: Add finely minced garlic to the onions during the last few minutes of cooking for extra depth.
- Crunch Topping: Top with crispy fried onions or toasted pine nuts for texture and aroma.
- Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander for a fresh herbal lift.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store the leftover Caramelised Onion Mujadara Lentils And Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Mujadara freezes well. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months.
- Make Ahead: This dish gets better with time. Prepare a day ahead and allow the flavours to develop overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with plain yoghurt, fresh salad or inside wraps for a complete meal.
