How to Make the Perfect Lebanese Moujadara
Lebanese · Medium · 75 min · 6 servings
Moujadara is a humble yet deeply satisfying Lebanese dish of slow-cooked lentils and rice topped with a mountain of crispy caramelized onions. It is a comforting staple of Lebanese peasant cooking that has been enjoyed for centuries and remains popular in every home.
Why this recipe works
This Lebanese Moujadara recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 75 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups brown or green lentils rinsed
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 4 large onions thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the onions
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, for 40 to 45 minutes until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Be patient during this step as rushing it will prevent proper caramelization.
Step 2: Cook the lentils
While the onions cook, place the rinsed lentils in a separate pot and cover with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are just tender but not mushy. Season with cumin and salt.
Step 3: Add the rice
Add the rice directly to the pot of partially cooked lentils along with an additional cup of water. Stir to combine, then cover the pot and cook over low heat for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Step 4: Assemble and serve
Transfer the lentil and rice mixture to a large serving platter and top generously with the crispy caramelized onions. Drizzle any remaining onion-flavored oil from the pan over the dish. Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of yogurt, a simple salad, or pickled vegetables.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- long grain white rice → coarse bulgur wheat for a more traditional and nutty variation of this dish
- olive oil → ghee or clarified butter for a richer and more indulgent flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Rushing the caramelization of the onions by using too high a heat, which burns them instead of caramelizing them
- Adding too much water to the rice and lentil mixture, making the final dish wet and mushy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 14g protein, 55g carbs, 9g fat, 12g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →