Lentil and Rice Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions
A hearty Lebanese dish combining tender lentils and fluffy rice topped with sweet, deeply caramelized onions for a comforting vegetarian meal. This middle eastern-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 75 minutes pairs brown lentils, long-grain white rice, thinly sliced large onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 cup long-grain white rice
- 3, thinly sliced large onions
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water, then place in a large pot with 4 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until lentils are partially tender.
- Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced large onions and sauté gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until deeply golden brown and caramelized; season with a pinch of salt during cooking.
- Step 3: After lentils have simmered 15 minutes, add 1 cup rinsed long-grain white rice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until rice and lentils are tender and water is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest covered for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Fluff the lentil and rice mixture with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.
- Step 6: Spoon the caramelized onions generously over the top and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Lentil and Rice Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Rice 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 Rice 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 Rice 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 Rice Mujaddara with Caramelized Onions 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.
