Mujadara Recipe — Lentils, Rice and Caramelized Onions
Updated September 18, 2026
Short answer
Mujadara is a Levantine dish of lentils, rice (or another grain) and caramelized onions. This page is a homemade recipe for about 4 servings.
Most of the time goes to the onions — often 25–40 minutes. For background, see what is mujadara?
- Yield about 4 servings
- Time ~15 min prep · ~50–60 min cook · ~75 min total
- Diet Vegetarian / plant-based
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 3 large onions
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- black pepper
- salt
- olive oil
- water
Instructions
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Rinse the lentils
Rinse the brown lentils and place them in a pot with enough water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then simmer until just tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and set aside.
-
Caramelize the onions
Slice the onions thinly. Warm a generous amount of olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Cook the onions slowly, stirring often, until deeply golden and sweet (25–40 minutes). Season with salt. Set aside about a third for topping.
-
Toast the spices
Stir the cumin, coriander, cinnamon and black pepper into the remaining onions for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
-
Cook the rice with the lentils
Add the drained lentils and the rinsed rice to the onion pan. Add water to cover by about ½ inch (roughly 2–2½ cups). Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed (about 18–20 minutes).
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Rest and serve
Remove from heat and rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, top with the reserved caramelized onions, and serve.
Why the onions take time
Mujadara lives or dies by its caramelized onions. That step builds the sweetness and depth of the dish — and it is also the longest.
Making mujadara from scratch? Follow the recipe above. Want to skip measuring, precooking and caramelizing the onions? Bayt Mujadara portions the lentils, rice, caramelized onions and spices. Add water and cook in one pot. Cooking instructions.
Variations
Some households swap part of the rice for bulgur. Onions can be crispier or jammer depending on heat and time. Adjust cumin, coriander and cinnamon to taste — there is no single universal recipe.
What to serve with mujadara
Plain yogurt or labneh, cucumber-tomato salad, lemon, fresh herbs, pickles or roasted vegetables. For lentils-and-rice nutrition and cost, see lentils and rice nutrition and cost per serving.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a spoonful of water if the mixture has dried out. Do not leave cooked mujadara at room temperature for more than two hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is mujadara?
Mujadara is a Levantine dish of lentils, a grain such as rice, and caramelized onions.
Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, but rinse them and skip or shorten the lentil simmer. Dry brown lentils stay closest to the traditional method.
How long do the onions take?
Often 25–40 minutes to caramelize properly — the longest step in the homemade recipe.
Is there a shortcut?
Yes. Bayt Mujadara already portions the lentils, rice, caramelized onions and spices. Add water and cook in one pot.
How many servings does this recipe make?
About 4 servings, comparable to one Bayt Mujadara box.