Mujadara Lentils and Spiced Rice is an ultimate comfort dish full of savory flavors and different textures in one mouthful. It is a perfect vegan meal that will satisfy your deepest food cravings.
Take a spoonful and feel the earthy, soft flavor of well-cooked lentils, the delicate texture of spiced rice, and the light sweet crispy onions. Your taste buds will be delighted. Mujadara is a classic Middle Eastern dish that is so good on its own. No wonder it does not need meat next to it. You must give it a try!
Different Flavorful Textures in One Mouthful
So, What Is Mujadara?
Mujadara, Moujadara, or Mjadara refers to a classic Middle Eastern dish that uses lentils as the main ingredient. There are many twists and tweaks for Mujadara, and each version will get you different flavors.
The Mujadara Lentils and spiced rice recipe that I will share with you is also called Mujadaret Roz. Check the recipe card for full details.
Red lentils, also called Mijadara Hamra, is another great version. It calls for lentils, coarse bulgur, and tons of caramelized onions that are dark brown, not burnt. The dark onions are what give Mujadara that beautiful dark red, almost dark brown, color.
You can also make Mujadara Safra or Yellow Lentils where you use yellowish lentils, rice, and sautéed onions.
Add some extra water while cooking lentils and spiced rice, and you will get a heartwarming Mujadara Makhbusa, where lentils and rice are mushy and soft that they melt in your mouth. It is super delicious, savory, and filling.
A Yummy, Hearty Dish Loaded with Goodness
Why You Will Love Mujadara
Mujadara will be your go-to dish whenever you’re in the mood for a meatless meal. It does not include meat, chicken, or fish, yet it is so fulfilling and hearty.
Mujadara has lentils as the main ingredient. They are packed with protein, which makes them a great alternative to meat and a perfect dish for vegetarians and vegans, especially when served with salad.
In addition, mujadara is budget-friendly. It does not require fancy ingredients, only onions, lentils, and rice with some spices from your pantry.
Mujadara comes together in less than an hour and needs minimal effort and one pot to be ready. You can sauté the onions and cook the rice in the same pot where you boiled the lentils.
How to Make Perfect Caramelized Onions for the Topping
The best part about Mujadara is the caramelized onions. Though it seems a bit daunting, you can never go wrong with it.
First, slice the onions into medium strips, then place them in a large saucepan with a wide base with a generous amount of oil. Start at high heat until you hear loud sizzles, then reduce it to medium-low and keep stirring every 1-2 minutes until they become dark brown, but not burnt.
Here’s a trick you can try! Right before you turn off the heat, add a sprinkle of flour, give it a stir for a minute, then turn it off. You will get to enjoy super crispy caramelized onions in every spoonful.
Meatless, Hearty Rice Mujaddara
Helpful Tips
Don’t boil lentils more than you should, or else they will become too soft. You want lentil seeds to stay intact and whole for a good presentation.
You can use brown or green lentils for this mujaddara. Don’t use yellow or red since they get too mushy when cooked.
I used Jasmin rice, but you can use any type of rice you prefer. Whether you use long rice, short rice, or brown rice, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serve rice mujadara with pita bread next to yogurt, salad, Fattoush, or Shirazi salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Upon serving, take the container out 15-30 minutes ahead to allow it to thaw for a while. Place mujadara in a pot with half a cup of water, give it a stir, then set the pot at low heat until it gets warm. You can also put Mujadara on a plate and reheat it in the microwave.
There is no need. You only need to wash them. They will be well-cooked in 20-25 minutes.
Ultimate Comfort Food
Mujadara Lentils and Spiced Rice
Healthy, vegan Middle Eastern rice and lentils is made with few ingredients, requires minimal effort, and tastes delicious. With layers of perfectly spiced rice and lentils topped with sweet caramelized onion slices, you will get to enjoy comfort within each spoonful.
What You Need
For the lentils
Dry brown lentils
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cumin
7 spice or all spice
Cinnamon
Water for boiling
For the rice
Jasmine rice
Cumin
Coriander powder
Salt
7 spice or allspice
Cinnamon
Olive oil
Veggie bullion powder/stock
Yellow onion
Hot water
Steps to Prep
First, soak the rice and set it aside.
Next, wash the lentils well. Add them to a pot along with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, 7 spice, and cinnamon. Add enough water to cover them.
Let it come to a boil, then simmer on medium heat until completely soft. It needs around 20-25 minutes.
After that, strain the liquid from the lentils and set them aside.
To a pot, add the olive oil and diced onion then sauté them until golden.
Then, drain the soaked rice and add it to the onions. Add cumin, coriander powder, 7 spice, cinnamon, veggie bullion powder, and salt.
Next, add the strained lentils to the rice and onions and add hot water. Let it come to a rolling boil until the water touches the surface of the rice, then cover it with aluminum foil and the lid at the same time.
Cook mujadara at low heat for 15-20 minutes. Serve it with crispy onions on top next to salad or yogurt.
Must Try Recipes:
Middle-Eastern Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Mulukhiyah Stew (Jute Mallow Stew)
Middle-Eastern Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Palestinian Cauliflower Fritters (Emshat)
Traditional Palestinian Musakhan Recipe
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Mujadara Lentils and Spiced Rice
Ingredients
For the lentils
- ¾ cup dry brown lentils rinsed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon 7 spice or allspice
- pinch cinnamon
- 5 cups water for boiling
For the lentils
- 1½ cups jasmine rice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon 7 spice all spice
- dash cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ teaspoons veggie bullion powder stock
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cups hot water
Instructions
- Soak the rice and set it aside.
- Wash the lentils well. Add them to a pot along with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, 7 spice, and cinnamon. Add enough water to cover them.
- Let it come to a rolling boil, then simmer on medium heat until completely soft. It needs around 20-25 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and set lentils aside.
- To a pot, add the olive oil, diced onion and sauté until golden.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the onions. Next, add cumin, coriander powder, 7 spice, cinnamon, veggie bullion powder, and salt.
- Add the strained lentils to the rice and onions, then add the hot water. Let it come to a rolling boil until the water touches the surface of the rice, then cover it with aluminum foil and the lid at the same time.
- Cook mujadara at low heat for 15-20 minutes. Serve it with crispy onions and salad or yogurt.
Notes
- Don’t boil lentils more than you should, or else they will become too soft. You want lentil seeds to stay intact and whole for a good presentation.
- You can use brown or green lentils for this mujaddara. Don’t choose yellow or red since they get too mushy when cooked.
- You can use any type of rice you prefer. Whether you use long rice, short rice, or brown rice, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Serve rice mujadara with pita bread next to yogurt, salad, Fattoush, or Shirazi salad.
I followed this recipe to a T and my love enjoyed it very much. He had two plates full and even started eating it from the pot. Thank you very much for sharing and allowing me to give him taste of his home here in US. 🙏🏻
My husband isn’t that big on mujadara but I made this and he looooveed it!!! Best version you’ll try 🤤🤤🤤
My husband never tell me to remake a meal but this recipe is his favorite thanks for the recipe
My toddler loves it!
Fantastic. My kids loved it