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Lebanese Mujadara

Lebanese mujadara is a flavorful, nutritious dish that combines lentils, whole grains, and caramelized onions into a hearty vegetarian meal. It offers a delightful blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine that is both satisfying and wholesome.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Keyword mjadara, mujadara
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  • 2 cups lentils
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup coarse bulgur wheat
  • 6 cups water
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf

Caramelized crispy Onions:

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large onions sliced into thin strips

Instructions

  • Sort through the lentils to remove any bad ones, then rinse and drain. Set aside.
  • Finely chop one onion and slice the other two into thin strips. Set aside.
  • In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
  • Add the washed lentils, water, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well. Once the mixture starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes. Check if the lentils are soft—if not, cover and cook longer as needed.
  • Once the lentils are fully cooked, rinse the coarse bulgur wheat and drain. Add it to the pot, stir, and cover again. Cook for another 10–15 minutes.
  • If the mixture is too dry when adding the bulgur, add a little water. If it’s too liquidy at the end, increase the heat and cook for a few more minutes until you reach your preferred consistency. I like mine slightly soupy rather than too dry.

Caramelizedcrispy Onions:

  • 1: In a pan, heat olive oil. Once hot, add the onions and cook until caramelized and crispy.
  • 2: Top the mujadara with the caramelized onions and enjoy!

Notes

  • Clean the Lentils: Always sort through and rinse the lentils to remove any debris or broken pieces.
  • Perfect the Onions: Sauté the onions slowly until they’re soft and translucent for the base, and caramelize extra strips for topping.
  • Adjust Consistency: Add water gradually to achieve your desired texture—more liquid for a creamier dish, less for a firmer one.
  • Choose Your Grain: Experiment with bulgur or rice to find the flavor and texture you prefer.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest briefly after cooking so the flavors meld together.
  • Pair Well: Serve with a fresh salad or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the rich flavors.