Lentil and Bulgur Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, earthy mix of lentils and bulgur wheat cooked to tender perfection, topped with sweet, golden caramelized onions for a comforting vegetarian main dish. This middle eastern-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, medium bulgur wheat, large onions, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water. In a medium pot, combine lentils with 4 cups water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup medium bulgur wheat, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes until lentils and bulgur are tender and all liquid is absorbed.
  3. Step 3: While lentils cook, heat 5 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced large onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until onions are deeply browned and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Fold half of the caramelized onions into the lentil and bulgur mixture along with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining onions and 2 tbsp chopped parsley.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over as desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lentil and Bulgur Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Lentil and Bulgur Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions?

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 Lentil and Bulgur Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions?

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 Lentil and Bulgur Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions 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 Lentil and Bulgur Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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