Mujadara with Caramelized Onions – A Middle Eastern Comfort Classic
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Whether you're revisiting a family favorite or trying something new, you're in for a treat with this humble yet soul-satisfying dish. Want this recipe sent directly to your inbox so you can save it for next week’s meal plan? Just pop your email in below and I’ll send it over with love!
What is Mujadara?
Mujadara is a comforting, earthy dish made with lentils, rice or bulgur, and deeply caramelized onions. It’s a staple in many Middle Eastern homes—and for good reason. It’s nourishing, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. In this version, I’ve used couscous in place of rice for a delightful twist in texture, but the heart of Mujadara remains: soft lentils, crispy sweet onions, and that beautiful balance of spice and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Mujadara
✨ Top reasons to fall in love:
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100% plant-based and naturally gluten-free (if you sub the couscous!)
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Incredibly affordable and pantry-friendly
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Meal prep dream: tastes even better the next day
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Deep, caramelized flavors that taste like they've been simmering for hours (but haven’t!)
What It Tastes Like
Oh, where do I even begin? Mujadara tastes warm and earthy, thanks to the lentils, with a gentle nuttiness from the couscous. But the real star? The crispy, golden caramelized onions that crown this dish—they bring sweet, smoky depth and crunch to every bite. When topped with fresh parsley or paired with a tangy yogurt or tomato salad, the whole dish sings.
Benefits of Mujadara
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High in protein and fiber from lentils
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Easy on digestion and incredibly filling
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Vegan, dairy-free, and low in fat
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Keeps well and gets more flavorful overnight
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this cozy bowl of comfort:
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1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
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1 cup couscous or fine bulgur
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3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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4 tbsp olive oil, divided
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1 tsp ground cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
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Heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan
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Nonstick skillet for caramelizing onions
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Fine mesh strainer
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Cutting board & sharp knife
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Mixing bowl
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Want to riff on the classic? Try these ideas:
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Swap couscous for brown rice, bulgur, or quinoa
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Add chickpeas for extra protein
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Stir in some cinnamon or allspice for a warm spice layer
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Top with a dollop of plain yogurt or serve with a lemony tomato cucumber salad
How to Make Mujadara with Caramelized Onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the lentils: In a pot, bring 2 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add lentils and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
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Caramelize the onions: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a wide pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Reserve half for topping.
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Cook the couscous: In the same pot as lentils (or a new one), add 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, stir in couscous and a pinch of salt, cover, and let steam off the heat for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
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Combine: Gently mix couscous, cooked lentils, cumin, remaining olive oil, and half of the caramelized onions. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with the rest of the caramelized onions and parsley.
What to Serve with Mujadara
Mujadara pairs beautifully with:
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Tangy cucumber yogurt salad
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Roasted or grilled veggies
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Pita bread or warm flatbreads
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A refreshing side of pickles or olives
Tips for Success
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Don’t rush the onions! The slower they cook, the sweeter and crispier they get.
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Season boldly. Lentils love salt and spice.
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Use a nonstick or cast iron pan for the best onion caramelization.
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Make a big batch! Mujadara stores and reheats beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Gently warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to refresh.
General Info
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Serves: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
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Total Time: ~50 minutes
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Cuisine: Middle Eastern
FAQ
Can I use red lentils?
Not for this recipe—they cook too quickly and become mushy. Stick with green or brown.
Is couscous gluten-free?
Nope! For a gluten-free version, sub with quinoa or rice.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Mujadara gets even more delicious after a day in the fridge.
In Conclusion
Mujadara is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and nourishment. Whether you're diving into Middle Eastern cuisine for the first time or reliving a childhood favorite, this dish brings comfort and joy with every forkful.
📸 Tried it? I’d LOVE to see your Mujadara bowls! Tag me on Pinterest and leave a review so we can celebrate your delicious creation together!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 16g
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Carbs: 50g
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Fat: 15g
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Fiber: 12g
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Sugar: 4g