Mujadara is a super simple yet crazy comforting Lebanese dish made with lentils and rice which are slowly simmered with caramelized onions, then tossed with fresh cilantro and served topped with even more caramelized onions! Stunning on its own, or as a side!
Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan with fitting lid set over medium-low heat. Add the onions and garlic, sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are golden and caramelized, about 30 minutes. Once the onions have reached a nice caramel color, remove about half of them from the pan and reserve them in a plate or bowl.
To the pan, add the rice and lentils and stir to combine with the onions; throw in the vegetable stock, water and spices, stir and bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer slowly until the rice and lentils are fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed, about 45 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
Stir in chopped cilantro and lemon juice, adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately, topped with some of the reserved caramelized onions and additional lemon and cilantro.