Mjadra Lettuce Wraps with Caramelized Onions
This vibrant and protein-packed Mjadra is a beloved Lebanese dish that beautifully combines the earthy flavors of lentils and rice, enriched by the sweetness of caramelized onions. Served in crisp iceberg lettuce cups, this dish is not only vegetarian and gluten-free but also a refreshing option for a savory lunch or a delightful appetizer. Squeeze fresh lemon over the filling for a zesty brightness that elevates the flavors, and enjoy it with a side of creamy natural yogurt for added richness. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, these lettuce wraps are a delicious celebration of Lebanese cuisine.
6
Servings
230
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red or Brown Lentils
1 cup (rinsed)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (for frying)
Onions
2 medium (finely sliced)
Long Grain Rice
1 cup (rinsed)
Vegetable or Chicken Stock
1 cup (preferably gluten-free if needed)
Iceberg Lettuce
1 head (separated into cups)
Lemon
2 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer the lentils for about 20 minutes until they are soft.
2
While the lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and turn golden brown.
3
Once the lentils are cooked, carefully add half of the sautéed onions to the saucepan with the lentils. Stir in the rinsed rice and stock of your choice. Season with salt to taste. Increase heat to bring the mixture back to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.
4
With the remaining sautéed onions, continue to cook them in the frying pan for another 10 minutes, stirring regularly until they become dark brown and caramelized.
5
Add the caramelized onions back into the lentil and rice mixture. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even blending of flavors.
6
To serve, spoon generous portions of the lentil-rice mixture into individual lettuce cups. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, and offer natural yogurt and freshly cracked pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
42g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mjadra?
Mjadra is a beloved Lebanese dish made by combining lentils and rice, typically enriched with the sweetness of caramelized onions.
What kind of lentils should I use for Mjadra Lettuce Wraps?
You can use either red or brown lentils for this recipe. Both varieties provide an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with rice.
Is this Mjadra recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, provided you use a certified gluten-free vegetable or chicken stock.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! It is a protein-packed vegetarian dish, and can be made vegan by using vegetable stock and omitting yogurt.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of Mjadra Lettuce Wraps?
There are approximately 230 calories per serving.
What is the best way to serve Mjadra Lettuce Wraps?
Spoon the lentil-rice mixture into crisp iceberg lettuce cups and serve with fresh lemon wedges and optional natural yogurt.
What type of lettuce is best for these wraps?
Iceberg lettuce is recommended because its sturdy, cup-like leaves provide a refreshing crunch that balances the savory filling.
How long do the lentils need to cook?
The lentils should simmer in water for about 20 minutes until they are soft before adding the rice.
How do you achieve the best caramelized onions?
Sauté the onions in olive oil for about 5 minutes until golden, then continue cooking a portion of them for another 10 minutes until they are dark brown.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of rinsed long grain rice.
Can I use vegetable or chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either vegetable or chicken stock depending on your dietary preference.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving of Mjadra Lettuce Wraps contains 9 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the rice cooked separately?
No, the rice is added directly to the saucepan with the cooked lentils and stock to simmer together for 20 minutes.
What is the role of lemon in this recipe?
Freshly squeezed lemon adds a zesty brightness that elevates the earthy flavors of the lentils and rice.
Can I prepare this dish for meal prep?
Yes, the Mjadra filling is perfect for meal prep; simply store the filling and lettuce separately until ready to eat.
Should the lentils be rinsed before cooking?
Yes, it is important to rinse the lentils and rice before cooking to remove any debris or excess starch.
How long is the total cooking time for the rice mixture?
Once the rice and stock are added to the lentils, it takes about 20 minutes for the rice to become tender and the mixture creamy.
Can I use red onions?
While the recipe typically uses standard medium onions for caramelization, you can substitute with red onions for a slightly different flavor profile.
What makes the Mjadra mixture creamy?
The combination of the starches from the rice and lentils simmering together in stock creates a naturally creamy texture.
Do I need to add salt?
The recipe suggests seasoning the mixture with salt to taste when you add the rice and stock.
Can I use different types of lettuce?
Yes, while iceberg is recommended for its shape, Butter lettuce or Romaine leaves can also work as wraps.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil to fry and caramelize the onions.
Is Mjadra served hot or cold?
It is traditionally served warm, but these lettuce wraps can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Can I add black pepper?
Yes, serving the wraps with freshly cracked black pepper is highly recommended for extra flavor.
What does the yogurt add to the dish?
Natural yogurt adds a cool, creamy richness that complements the warm, savory lentil and rice filling.
How many onions do I need?
You will need 2 medium onions, finely sliced, for the caramelization process.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to stir the dark caramelized onions into the cooked lentil and rice mixture and let it cook for 5 more minutes.
Can I make this dish without stock?
You can use water if you don't have stock, but using stock adds a much deeper flavor to the rice and lentils.