Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions and Spices

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) lentils 1 cup (200g) lentils
• 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 6g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the lentils, rice, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the lentils and rice are tender.
3. 3.
   While the lentils and rice are cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This process may take around 20-25 minutes.
4. 4.
   Once the lentils and rice are cooked, remove from heat and let them sit for 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add the caramelized onions, cumin, cinnamon, and salt to the pot with the lentils and rice. Gently mix everything together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Mujaddara warm, garnished with additional caramelized onions if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
• Onions — Slice the onions thinly and cook them slowly over medium heat to achieve the perfect caramelization.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of ground coriander or sumac to the dish.
• Serve Mujaddara with a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Leftover Mujaddara can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. It tastes even better as the flavors meld together.

Serving advice

Mujaddara can be served as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs well with pita bread or naan.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Mujaddara with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve it in a shallow bowl to showcase the layers of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions.