How do I caramelize the onions for this Mujadara recipe?

To caramelize the onions, saute half-moon cut onions in grapeseed oil on low-medium heat for 10 minutes until translucent. Then, lower the heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.

Can I prepare the Mujadara ingredients ahead of time for lunch?

Yes, for meal prep, arrange the soaked lentils, spices (cumin, coriander, salt), and olive oil at the bottom of your ramekin, then top with the soaked basmati rice. Keep the caramelized onions and fresh coriander separate until ready to cook.

What are the cooking instructions for microwave preparation?

For microwave preparation, add 1 1/2 cups of water to your prepared ramekin. Microwave on high heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes until steam holes appear. Then, cover with a lid and microwave for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let rest for 5 minutes with the lid on.

How do I cook this Mujadara in an oven or toaster oven?

For oven or toaster oven preparation, boil 1 1/2 cups of water separately. Add the boiling water to your prepared ramekin, and cook, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes until the water has evaporated and the rice is cooked. Fluff with a fork and let rest for 5 minutes with a lid on.

Why are the lentils and rice soaked overnight in this recipe?

Soaking the green lentils overnight (or a minimum of 4 hours) and the basmati rice overnight helps to reduce their cooking time and ensures a more tender, evenly cooked texture in the final dish.

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Mujadara For One
[Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Name: Mujadara For One [Vegan, Gluten-Free]
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil; 1 onion; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoons olive oil; Black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup green lentils, soaked overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours; 1/2 cup basmati rice, soaked overnight; 1 1/2 cups water; A handful of fresh coriander, chopped

KP By: Ksenia Prints

Author Bio

Meat-free globally-inspired recipes with a focus on Mediterranean and European flavors. Ksenia Prints is a fifth-generation... Read More

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A single serving of Mujadara in a bowl, topped with golden caramelized onions and fresh chopped coriander, ready to eat.

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Mujadara For One [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

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Ingredients You Need for Mujadara For One [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 onion
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoons olive oil
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup green lentils, soaked overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours
1/2 cup basmati rice, soaked overnight
1 1/2 cups water
A handful of fresh coriander, chopped

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How to Prepare Mujadara For One [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

To Prep:

Cut onion into half moons. Preheat a pan on low-medium heat, and add oil. Sautee onions until they begin to turn translucent, 10 minutes. Once the color starts to change, lower heat to low and let onions continue cooking for an additional 20 minutes, stirring only occassionally, until all onions have caramelized. Set aside.
When packing your lunch, arrange lentils, spices and olive oil at the bottom of your ramekin. Top with rice. Keep onions and coriander separate.

For Microwave Preparation:

When ready to cook your lunch, add water. Microwave on high heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes, until holes of steam have been created in the rice. Cover with lid and microwave for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and let rest with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes.

For Oven or Toaster Oven Preparation:

When ready to cook your lunch, boil water. Add boiling water, and cook, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, until water has evaporated and rice is cooked. Fluff with fork and let rest with a lid on for an additional five minutes.
Top with caramelized onions and coriander, and serve immediately.