Palestinian Mujadara – Hearty Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions

Palestinian Mujadara is a cherished dish of tender lentils and fluffy rice, topped with deeply caramelized crispy onions. Fragrant with cumin and warm spices, this humble yet flavorful meal is naturally vegan and gluten-free, perfect for nourishing everyday meals or special family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup long grain white or basmati rice, soaked 30 min and drained
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to tast
• Optional: lemon wedges and fresh parsley for serving

Directions

1. Rinse lentils and place in a pot with 4 cups water. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until lentils are just tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Heat half of the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt; caramelize them by stirring frequently for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Drain lentils, add rice, salt, pepper, cumin, and 2 cups water to lentils. Stir and bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer gently until rice is cooked and water absorbed, about 15 minutes. Do not stir during cooking.
4. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
5. Fluff rice and lentils with a fork. Stir in half the caramelized onions and drizzle some olive oil.
6. Serve topped with remaining caramelized onions, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges if desired.