MUJADARA (LENTILS AND RICE)
Mujadara is a beloved Middle Eastern comfort dish that combines humble ingredients, such as lentils, rice, olive oil, cumin, salt and onions, into something truly satisfying. This single-serving version captures the essence of the traditional recipe with warm spices, soft rice, hearty lentils and deeply caramelised onions. Its simplicity is matched by its nutritional value, offering a high-fibre, protein-rich meal that’s naturally vegan and budget-friendly. The key to authentic mujadara lies in slow-cooked onions that develop a golden-brown sweetness, perfectly complementing the earthy grains. This wholesome dish is ideal for lunch, dinner or meal prepping, especially for those seeking a hearty plant-based meal without being heavy. With minimal preparation and everyday pantry staples, this dish comes together quickly. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a tangy side salad or yoghurt, mujadara remains a timeless expression of nourishment and flavour.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Main Course
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Middle Eastern
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Sauté, One-Pot Wonders, Prepared in Advance
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner, Ramadan, Fall, Family Reunion, Picnic, Potluck, Back to School, Winter
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Healthy, Quick & Easy, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Casserole / Gratin
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for Mujadara (Lentils and Rice):
- ¼ cup cooked lentils
- ¼ cup cooked rice
- ½ small onion, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 144.6 kcal
- Fat: 2.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 294.8 mg
- Carbohydrates: 24.6 g
- Fibre: 4.7 g
- Sugars: 2.4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Calcium: 26.5 mg
- Iron: 2.6 mg
- Potassium: 257.1 mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Onions: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium flame. Add the sliced onions and sauté slowly for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until they turn golden and caramelised.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin and add a pinch of salt. Continue stirring for another minute to bloom the spice and deepen the flavour.
- Combine Lentils and Rice: Add the cooked lentils and rice to the pan with the onions. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Heat Through: Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through fully and the flavours to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve warm as a hearty, stand-alone dish or with optional garnishes like parsley or a squeeze of lemon.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
15 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Mujadara (Lentils and Rice):
- Slow Cook Onions: Don’t rush the onion caramelisation; low heat is key to developing sweetness and depth.
- Use Pre-Cooked Grains: This recipe works best with pre-cooked rice and lentils for a quick and easy meal.
- Leftover Friendly: This is a great way to use leftover lentils and rice from previous meals.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch of caramelised onions in advance and freeze them for future quick meals.
- Serve With Acidity: A squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of yoghurt balances the richness of the onions.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Mujadara: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced green chilli while cooking for extra heat.
- Tomato Twist: Stir in a spoonful of chopped tomato or tomato paste for a tangy contrast.
- Green Addition: Add chopped spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Garlic Flavour: Add finely minced garlic to the onions during the last few minutes of cooking for extra depth.
- Crunch Topping: Top with crispy fried onions or toasted pine nuts for texture and aroma.
- Herb Boost: Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander for a fresh herbal lift.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Mujadara freezes well. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months.
- Make Ahead: This dish gets better with time. Prepare a day ahead and allow the flavours to develop overnight in the fridge.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with plain yoghurt, fresh salad or inside wraps for a complete meal.