Flavorful Palestinian Mujadara with Crispy Onions
Experience the rich, hearty flavors of this traditional Palestinian dish known as Mujadara. Combining nutty lentils and fragrant jasmine rice, this one-dish meal is not only satisfying but also incredibly aromatic as it simmers in your kitchen. The crispy, golden-brown onions add an irresistible crunch that complements the tender grains perfectly. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is easily customizable—feel free to adjust the cumin to suit your taste or skip the soaking for a quicker preparation. A wholesome, nutritious dish that's sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
260
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Jasmine rice
1 cup (Soaked and drained)
Dried lentils
1 cup (Soaked and drained)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (For sautéing)
Onions
2 medium (Thinly sliced)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (Adjust according to taste)
Salt
2 teaspoons (To taste)
Black pepper
To taste (I like lots!)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the lentils in water for 3 hours; once soaked, drain them thoroughly.
2
In a separate bowl, soak the jasmine rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1/2 cup of olive oil and add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté the onions for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply browned and crispy.
4
Once the onions are crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, then set aside.
5
With the heat still on medium-high, add the drained lentils and rice to the skillet with the residual onion-flavored oil. Sauté them for a few minutes while adding the cumin, salt, and generous black pepper to taste.
6
Pour in 3 cups of water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Once boiling, cover the skillet very tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the dish to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until both the rice and lentils are tender and the water has been absorbed.
8
After cooking, fluff the rice and lentils with a fork, then serve hot, topped generously with the crispy browned onions for a delightful crunch.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
28g
Carbs
9g
Protein
7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palestinian Mujadara?
Palestinian Mujadara is a traditional, hearty dish made primarily from nutty lentils, fragrant jasmine rice, and topped with crispy, golden-brown onions.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of dried lentils, which are soaked and drained before cooking.
Which rice is best for this Mujadara recipe?
Fragrant jasmine rice is used in this version to provide a light texture and aromatic quality.
How long should the lentils be soaked?
For the best results, soak the dried lentils in water for 3 hours before draining them.
Is it necessary to soak the rice?
Yes, the jasmine rice should be soaked for 30 minutes and then drained prior to cooking.
How do you make the onions crispy?
Thinly slice two medium onions and sauté them in 1/2 cup of olive oil for about 15 minutes until they are deeply browned.
Is this Mujadara recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian and also happens to be vegan-friendly.
How many calories are in a serving of this Mujadara?
Each serving contains approximately 260 calories.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with cumin, salt, and a generous amount of black pepper.
Can I adjust the amount of cumin?
Absolutely, you can adjust the cumin according to your personal taste preferences.
How long does the rice and lentil mixture simmer?
Once the water reaches a boil, cover tightly and simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
How much olive oil is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil to fry the onions and flavor the grains.
How much water is needed to cook the grains?
You will need 3 cups of water for the mixture of 1 cup of rice and 1 cup of lentils.
Can I skip the soaking process?
Yes, you can skip the soaking for a quicker preparation, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.
How should the dish be served?
Serve the Mujadara hot, fluffed with a fork, and topped generously with the prepared crispy onions.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides about 9 grams of protein.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, Mujadara is a satisfying one-dish meal that is both nutritious and filling.
How much fiber is in Palestinian Mujadara?
There are 7 grams of fiber per serving, making it a very wholesome choice.
What do I do with the onions after frying?
Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.
What should the heat setting be for the onions?
Sauté the onions over medium heat to ensure they brown deeply without burning.
Should the rice and lentils be sautéed before boiling?
Yes, sautéing them in the residual onion-flavored oil for a few minutes adds extra depth of flavor.
What is the total fat content?
This recipe contains 14 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil.
Are there many carbohydrates in this meal?
There are 28 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many onions are needed?
You will need 2 medium onions, thinly sliced.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of salt, or you can add it to taste.
Is the black pepper amount flexible?
Yes, the recipe author suggests using 'lots' of black pepper to suit your preference.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large skillet with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for even cooking and steaming.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' suitable for weeknight dinners.
Is Mujadara considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a classic Middle Eastern comfort food that is warm, savory, and satisfying.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 7 simple ingredients: rice, lentils, oil, onions, cumin, salt, and pepper.