Name: Savory Lentil and Rice Mujadara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 4 large onions white or yellow, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 cup water; 1 tablespoon vinegar apple cider or balsamic; 1 cup dried lentils green or brown; 4 cups water (for cooking lentils); 1 teaspoon salt (for cooking lentils); ½ cup basmati rice; 3 cups water (for cooking rice); ½ teaspoon salt (for cooking rice); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 4 scallions finely chopped, reserve green tops for garnish; 2 cloves garlic pressed or grated; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon coriander; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional); ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste; ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley chopped; 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped (optional); 4 wedges lemon; 1 cup yogurt tahini sauce or plain Greek yogurt

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 10 reviews

If you love simple, hearty dishes that are packed with flavor and comfort, then this Savory Lentil and Rice Mujadara Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Mujadara is this amazing Middle Eastern classic that combines caramelized onions with tender lentils and fluffy rice. Trust me, once you try my version, you’ll be hooked! I’ll walk you through every step, share my best tips, and help you nail it perfectly in your kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The caramelized onions add sweetness while the spices give a warm depth, creating a savory harmony you’ll crave.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Lentils, rice, and a handful of common spices come together to make a dish that’s comforting and budget-friendly.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can tweak the spices or sides to suit your taste or dietary needs—more on that later.
Made Ahead Friendly: Prepping key steps in advance means dinner comes together quickly without stress.

Savory Lentil and Rice Mujadara, Mujadara Middle Eastern dish, How to make Mujadara, Lentil and rice recipes, Hearty vegetarian meals - The image shows a white round pot filled with a mixed dish made of cooked yellow rice and small green lentils, combined with pieces of light brown caramelized onions and chopped green herbs scattered throughout. The texture looks soft and slightly moist with some grains sticking together and a few small charred spots seen inside the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth partly visible under its handle, and some green onions lay next to the pot on the lower left side. The lighting highlights the warm golden tones of the rice and the fresh green color of the herbs, creating a vibrant and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Savory Lentil and Rice Mujadara Recipe plays a key role, and together, they form a bowl of pure comfort. Plus, many are pantry staples, so it’s easy to pull this dish together anytime. Let me share a few shopping tips so you can make it with confidence.

Savory Lentil and Rice Mujadara, Mujadara Middle Eastern dish, How to make Mujadara, Lentil and rice recipes, Hearty vegetarian meals - Flat lay of four large white onions sliced thinly, a small white ceramic bowl with a golden tablespoon of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl with amber apple cider vinegar, one cup of green dried lentils, a half cup of uncooked basmati rice with long slender grains, four fresh green scallions chopped with some green tops reserved, two whole uncracked white garlic cloves, small piles of bright red paprika powder, warm brown coriander powder, light brown cumin powder, reddish-brown cinnamon powder, golden yellow turmeric powder, tiny pile of red pepper flakes, fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs chopped, fresh bright green cilantro leaves chopped, four bright yellow lemon wedges arranged symmetrically, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy plain Greek yogurt placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Onions: Choose large white or yellow onions with firm bulbs for optimal caramelizing—they develop natural sweetness essential to mujadara’s signature flavor.
Lentils: Green or brown lentils work best since they hold their shape when cooked, giving the dish a nice texture contrast.
Basmati Rice: I love this fragrant, fluffy rice for mujadara, but other long-grain varieties will work if needed.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps toast those spices beautifully.
Spices: Paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes bring warmth and complexity—don’t skip the cinnamon; it adds a subtle magic touch.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro brighten the dish with fresh, herbal notes that cut through the earthy lentils.
Vinegar: Apple cider or balsamic vinegar in the onions adds that slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I enjoy swapping up the herbs and tweaking the spice levels depending on my mood or what I have in the pantry. Mujadara is forgiving and lends itself well to customization. Here are some ways I’ve made it even more my own.

Variation: Once, I added some toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch—it felt so fancy but was totally easy to do!
Dietary Modifications: To keep it strictly vegan, skip the yogurt on the side or opt for a coconut yogurt—still delicious and creamy.
Seasonal Changes: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, especially in warmer months.
Difficulty Level: If you’re pressed for time, using canned lentils works in a pinch. Just rinse and drain before mixing in.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Savory Lentil and Rice Mujadara Recipe

Step 1: Slowly Caramelize the Onions

Start by slicing your onions thinly—think about 1/5 inch thick. I prefer yellow onions here because they get that beautiful sweet flavor when caramelized. Sauté them in olive oil with a bit of salt and sugar for about 5 minutes. Then add water, lower the heat, and let them gently simmer until the liquid evaporates and the onions are golden and tender—around 20 minutes. Finally, splash in the vinegar and quickly stir it in over high heat for 2 minutes. This step really transforms the onions—they’ll be the soul of your mujadara!

Step 2: Cook Your Lentils Until Tender but Firm

Boil 4 cups of water with a teaspoon of salt, then add your rinsed lentils. I recommend simmering them gently for 15-30 minutes—keep an eye out; you want them soft enough to eat but still holding their shape so the texture isn’t mushy. Drain and set aside once done.

Step 3: Prepare the Basmati Rice

Bring 3 cups of salted water to boil, add your rinsed basmati rice, then let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until just al dente. Drain it well to avoid sogginess. This timing keeps the rice fluffy and perfect for mixing later.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Base in the Skillet

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet, then toss in chopped scallions (keep some green tops for garnish). Sauté them for 2 minutes for a fresh, oniony kick. Add the garlic and spices—paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and red pepper flakes—and cook another minute until fragrant. This spice blend is what gives mujadara that rich, savory warmth.

Step 5: Combine Lentils, Rice, and Half the Caramelized Onions

Mix the cooked lentils and rice into the skillet with your spice base. Stir in half the caramelized onions, fresh parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Let everything warm through while stirring gently for a few minutes so all those flavors mingle beautifully. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Transfer your mujadara to a big platter, crown it with the remaining caramelized onions, scallion tops, and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve lemon wedges for a fresh zing and offer a side of creamy Greek yogurt or tahini sauce—the coolness perfectly balances the spices. It’s an inviting, shareable dish that always impresses.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush the Onions: Taking your time caramelizing the onions is what sets this dish apart. Low and slow wins every time.
Keep Lentils Tender but Not Mushy: Slice by slice, check lentils to avoid overcooking and losing their bite.
Toast Spices Just Before Mixing: This freshens their aroma and prevents bitterness.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the mujadara sit for 10 minutes off the heat lets the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Savory Lentil and Rice Mujadara Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping mujadara generously with the caramelized onions leftover from cooking—they bring that sweet crunch that makes every bite exciting. The green scallion tops add a fresh pop of color and subtle onion flavor. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley; it cuts through the earthiness and elevates the whole plate.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad. I often make a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil or a vibrant fattoush salad with toasted pita pieces. If I’m feeling playful, Shirazi salad with cucumber, tomato, and fresh herbs is also a great pick.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving mujadara family-style on a large decorative platter, adding lemon wedges neatly arranged around the edge. Sometimes I line the platter with fresh herb leaves or even edible flowers for a festive touch. It’s all about making the humble ingredients feel celebratory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Mujadara keeps like a dream in the fridge. I like to store the cooked lentils, rice, and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers if I can—it keeps everything fresher longer and makes reheating easier. Leftovers will stay good for about 4 to 5 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen mujadara a few times with great results. Just cool everything fully, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and it’s almost as good as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop with a drizzle of olive oil, stirring occasionally. It helps revive the spices and stops the lentils from drying out. The microwave works too—heat it for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through to keep it evenly warm.

FAQs

Can I make this Savory Lentil and Rice Mujadara Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Mujadara is naturally gluten-free as long as you use pure rice and lentils without any seasoned additives. Just double-check your spices and any store-bought toppings to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?

Yes, canned lentils are a great shortcut. Rinse and drain them well, then add them directly during the last step with the spices and rice. Keep in mind you won’t need to cook them beforehand.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe includes a touch of red pepper flakes for mild warmth, but you can easily adjust according to your taste. Feel free to leave them out for a milder dish or add more for a spicy kick.
What can I serve alongside mujadara for a complete meal?

Refreshing salads like fattoush or a cucumber-tomato salad, a side of yogurt or tahini sauce, and some warm pita bread make perfect accompaniments, turning it into a balanced and delicious meal.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—a straightforward yet spectacular Savory Lentil and Rice Mujadara Recipe that’s become a beloved staple in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that brings you a little warmth and comfort on busy days, yet feels special enough for company. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and share it with people you care about. Once you get the hang of this recipe, it will be your go-to for a wholesome, tasty meal that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying. Give it a try—and don’t forget to savor every bite!