Mujadara (Lentils and Rice) Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where simple pantry staples create hearty Middle Eastern comfort. Mujadara combines tender brown lentils and fluffy rice with deeply caramelized onions and warm cumin for a satisfying vegan meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving family-style with yogurt and salad.

Gluten-free, protein-rich, and ready in about 45 minutes using one pot for the lentils and rice.

Why This Recipe Works

• Caramelized onions provide sweet, crispy contrast to creamy lentils
• Par-cooking lentils prevents mushy texture
• Cumin adds essential earthy warmth without overpowering
• Olive oil from onions infuses the dish with rich flavor
• Naturally vegan and filling as a complete protein meal

Ingredients & Prep

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati, rinsed and soaked 15 minutes
• 3-4 large yellow onions, 2 thinly sliced for frying, 1 finely chopped
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1½ teaspoons salt (divided)
• 4½ cups water (divided)
• Plain yogurt and cucumber salad for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat ½ cup olive oil over medium. Fry sliced onions until deeply golden and crispy (20-25 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove half the onions and oil; set aside.
2. Add chopped onion to remaining oil; sauté until golden, 5-7 minutes.
3. Add rinsed lentils and 3 cups water with ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to boil, then simmer covered 15 minutes until partially tender.
4. Drain soaked rice; add to pot with 1½ cups water, remaining salt, and cumin. Bring to boil, cover tightly, and simmer on low 18-20 minutes until liquid absorbs.
5. Remove from heat; let rest covered 10 minutes. Fluff gently and stir in reserved onion oil.
6. Top with crispy onions and serve warm with yogurt.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Store in airtight container in fridge up to 5 days. Reheats well with a splash of water. Freezes up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Brown rice okay? Yes, increase cooking time to 40 minutes and use extra water.
No time for crispy onions? Use store-bought fried onions or caramelize in Instant Pot.
Spice it up? Add Aleppo pepper or chili flakes with cumin.

Conclusion

Mujadara delivers comforting, flavorful simplicity that’s nourishing and budget-friendly. The perfect everyday Middle Eastern classic. Find more global grains at dishfoody.com.

Mujadara (Lentils and Rice) Recipe

Print Recipe

Mujadara is a classic Middle Eastern comfort dish of tender brown lentils and fluffy rice topped with crispy caramelized onions, seasoned simply with cumin for an earthy, satisfying vegan meal.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati, rinsed
• 3 large yellow onions (2 thinly sliced for caramelizing, 1 finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 4 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp salt, divided
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Optional: plain yogurt

Instructions

• 1. In medium pot, combine rinsed lentils with 3 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to boil, then simmer 15-20 minutes until partially tender. Add rinsed rice, chopped onion, 2 tbsp olive oil, cumin, pepper, and remaining water. Bring to boil, reduce to low, cover and cook 20 minutes until liquid absorbed.
• 2. Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup olive oil in skillet over medium. Add sliced onions and 1 tsp salt. Cook 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and caramelized.
• 3. Remove mujadara from heat, fluff with fork, cover 10 minutes. Serve topped with crispy onions and garnishes.

Notes

• Dark caramelized onions are key to authentic flavor – don’t rush this step.
• Use brown lentils for classic texture; green also work well.
• Bulgur may replace rice for nuttier variation.
• Perfect with yogurt, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: mujadara, lentils and rice, lebanese mujadara, caramelized onions