Mjadarah Recipe

Rinse and Soak Lentils

Rinse the French lentils under cold water. Optionally, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to reduce cooking time.

Prepare Rice

Measure out the long-grain rice and set it aside for cooking.

Slice Onions

Peel and thinly slice the onions for caramelization.

Caramelize Onions

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook Lentils

In the same pot, add the rinsed lentils and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess water if necessary.

Cook Rice

In a separate pot, add 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.

Combine Ingredients

Once both the lentils and rice are cooked, gently combine them in a large serving bowl. Add the caramelized onions, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro to taste. Serve warm as a main dish or side dish.