Caramelized Onion Lentil and Rice Mujadara
A comforting bowl of lentils and rice simmered with deeply golden onions, finished with toasted pine nuts. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs brown lentils, basmati rice, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 2 large onion
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water until water runs clear, then drain. In a medium pot, combine lentils, 1/2 cup basmati rice, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cumin. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until tender and liquid absorbed.
- Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced large onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden brown and caramelized.
- Step 3: Once lentils are cooked, remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice and lentils with a fork, transfer to a serving dish, and top with caramelized onions.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts over the top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Onion Lentil and Rice Mujadara take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Onion Lentil and Rice Mujadara?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Onion Lentil and Rice Mujadara?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Onion Lentil and Rice Mujadara for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Caramelized Onion Lentil and Rice Mujadara vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
