Mujaddara (Lentils and Rice with Onions)
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • ⅓ cup (2½ oz) small brown lentils, sorted and rinsed
  • ⅓ (2½ oz) cup long grain white rice
  • 2½ cups boiling or very hot water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ large yellow onion, ½ diced (3 oz) and ½ (1½ oz) sliced thinly
  • ⅛ tsp salt, more to taste
  • a few grinds of black pepper, more to taste
  • ¼ cup canola oil
Garnish
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • chopped parsley
Instructions
  1. Preheat the water bath to 190 degrees.
  2. Rinse the rice well and add to a recloseable bag.
  3. In a medium frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Add the diced onions to the pan and cook until a dark brown, approximately 15 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle with a little salt to help the onions release their moisture.
  6. While the onions are browning, place the lentils in a small bowl with 1½ cups of boiling or very hot water.
  7. Soak the lentils for 15 minutes then drain and add to the recloseable bag.
  8. As the onions get close to deep brown, add 2 tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan and soften any crispy onions.
  9. Cook until the water is evaporated then remove the onions to a small bowl to cool slightly, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
  10. Add the onions, salt, and pepper to the lentils and rice then add ¾ cup water and seal, removing as much air as possible.
  11. Place bag in water bath and cook for 45 minutes.
  12. Before the rice and lentils are done, add the canola oil to the frying pan over Medium/Medium-High heat.
  13. Test the oil with a small piece of onion. When it bubbles vigorously, the oil is ready.
  14. Fry the sliced onions until they are golden brown, approximately 3 - 5 minutes.
  15. Transfer the onions to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  16. Remove the rice and lentils from the recloseable bag to a bowl and lightly fluff.
  17. Add salt and pepper to taste before moving to a serving dish.
  18. Lightly drizzle some olive oil over the mujaddara and spread the fried onions and chopped parsley over top before serving.
Notes
This recipe is adapted from this Mediterranean Dish recipe.
Recipe by Cooking 4 One at https://www.cooking-4-one.com/2018/01/25/mujaddara-lentils-and-rice-with-onions/