Mujadara Lentils and Caramelized Onion Rice Bowl

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-27 · Updated 2026-06-27

A warm, plant-based dish combining tender lentils and fluffy rice topped with deeply caramelized onions for a comforting Middle Eastern meal. This Middle Eastern-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs brown lentils, long grain rice, 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 rice
• 3 medium, thinly sliced large onions
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Nonstick skillets worth buying → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water. Place them in a saucepan with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
2. Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 medium thinly sliced onions and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook slowly for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn deep golden brown and caramelized. Remove half the onions and set aside for garnish.
3. Step 3: Drain lentils if needed, then add 1 cup long grain rice, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 cups water to the lentils. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes until rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the mujadara with a fork, then stir in 1 tbsp olive oil.
5. Step 5: Serve mujadara in bowls topped with the reserved caramelized onions for a flavorful, hearty meal.