Mujadara Lentils and Caramelized Onion Rice Bowl

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

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 (vegan) ready in about 60 minutes pairs brown lentils, long grain rice, medium, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mujadara Lentils and Caramelized Onion Rice Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 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 Mujadara Lentils and Caramelized Onion Rice Bowl?

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 Mujadara Lentils and Caramelized Onion Rice Bowl?

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 Mujadara Lentils and Caramelized Onion Rice Bowl 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 Mujadara Lentils and Caramelized Onion Rice Bowl 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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