Mdardra is one of those Lebanese dishes that proves simple ingredients can create something deeply comforting. Made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, topped with crispy onions, it’s filling, flavorful, and a staple meal that has been made in homes for generations.
In Lebanon, even the name of this dish can start a debate. Depending on the region, some call it Mdardra, others call it Mujaddara, and in some areas the names are used for slightly different versions—sometimes with rice, sometimes with bulgur, sometimes thicker, sometimes looser. Ask a few Lebanese people what the “correct” name is, and you’ll probably get a few different answers.
It’s affordable, nourishing, and the kind of recipe that feels like home across so many Lebanese kitchens.
I love to serve it with a simple cabbage salad and pickles. Chef’s kiss
Mdardra with crispy onions (Lebanese Lentils & Rice)
Description
Traditional Lebanese mdardra made with lentils, rice, and sweet caramelized onions. A simple, comforting, budget-friendly meal full of flavor.
Ingredients
Crispy onions
Instructions
-
Cook the lentils
Rinse lentils and place in a pot with water.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until partly tender. Do not cook it all the way through.Drain and reserve the water.
-
Caramelize onions
Heat olive oil in a large pot.
Add sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until deep golden brown and caramelized.
-
Add rice
Add washed rice over the onions, stir for few minutes.
Add salt and cumin.
-
Cooking the mdardra
Add the cooked lentils over the rice, along with around 1 to 1.5 cups of the reserved cooking water.
Bring to boil, cover the pot and cook over low heat until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
-
Make the crispy onions
Heat oil in a pot.
Coat sliced onions with flour. Remove excess flour using a sieve.
Fry onions in batches until golden and crispy.
Let drain on kitchen towels or a cooling rack before serving.
-
Serve
Let sit for 10 minutes.
Fluff gently and top with crispy onions.Serve with a side salad and pickles
