Mdardara Lentil and Rice Pilaf

Delight in the comforting flavors of Mdardara, a classic Middle Eastern lentil and rice pilaf that is as wholesome as it is flavorful. This hearty dish combines tender brown lentils and fluffy long-grain rice, infused with aromatic spices like cumin, allspice, and cinnamon for a warmly spiced profile. The star of this recipe, however, is the deeply caramelized onions that lend a rich, sweet-savory note and double as a beautiful garnish. Cooked in a single skillet, Mdardara is not only easy to prepare but also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table. Serve it warm or at room temperature, topped with fresh parsley for a pop of brightness, and pair it with a crisp salad or yogurt for a complete meal. Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings, this humble yet robust dish celebrates the simplicity of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 cup white rice (long-grain or basmati)
• 3 pieces large onions
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups water
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown lentils under cool water and set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils and cook for 15 minutes. The lentils should be slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Step 3

While the lentils cook, peel and slice the onions into thin rings.

Step 4

In a deep skillet or pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion slices and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnish.

Step 5

To the remaining onions in the skillet, add the ground cumin, ground allspice, and ground cinnamon. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the drained lentils, white rice, and the reserved 1 cup of lentil cooking liquid to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add 2.5 cups of water, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 8

Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 9

Turn off the heat and let the Mdardara sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Fluff the pilaf with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.

Step 11

Garnish with the reserved caramelized onions and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1936.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1199.3

Total Fat 58.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4803.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 143.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.0g	0%
Total Sugars 24.5g
Protein 29.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 390.6mg	0%
Iron 13.4mg	0%
Potassium 1813.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 47.1%