Mujadara (Spiced Lentils and Rice)

Ingredients

• Dry Brown / Green Lentils

  1 cup (200 g)

  $0.52

• Basmati rice

  1 cup (200 g)

  $0.52

• Onions

  3 large (450 g)

  $0.68

• Olive oil

  4 tbsp (60 ml)

  $0.39

• Cumin

  1 tsp

  $0.05

• Ground Cinnamon

  1/2 tsp

  $0.02

• Salt

  1 tsp

  $0.00

• Black pepper

  1/2 tsp

  $0.01

Prices are estimates from our ingredient database and vary by market.

Hard to find?

• Swap Basmati rice for Rice (1:1) — Long-grain white rice cooks the same way

Preparation

1. 1

   Rinse the brown lentils thoroughly, place in a pot with 3 cups of water, and bring to a simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until partially tender.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, thinly slice the onions and heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat.

3. 3

   Cook the onions slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently until deeply browned and caramelized. Set aside half for garnish.

4. 4

   Rinse basmati rice until the water runs clear, then add it to the simmering lentils along with the ground cumin, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and the remaining cooked onions.

5. 5

   Stir well, cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and water is fully absorbed.

6. 6

   Remove from heat, let steam covered for 10 minutes, fluff with a fork, and serve topped with the reserved crispy caramelized onions.