Mujadara (Lentils & Rice)
Mujadara is a comforting and nutritious Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. It's a staple vegan meal, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. The sweetness of the onions perfectly complements the earthy lentils and fluffy rice.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 511 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 180 gbrown lentil, rinsed
- 200 gbasmati rice, rinsed
- 3 pcsyellow onion, thinly sliced
- 60 mlolive oil
- 1 tspcumin, ground
- 0.5 tspcoriander, ground
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
- 720 mlwater
garnish
- 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped
Equipment
large pot · fork · knife · cutting board · dutch oven
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat half of the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the sliced yellow onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deeply caramelized and dark golden brown.
About 25 min
Cook’s note: Don't rush this step; the caramelization of the onions is key to the flavor of mujadara.
- 3
Remove about half of the caramelized onions from the pot and set aside for garnish.
About 1 min
- 4
Add the remaining olive oil, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the remaining onions.
- 5
Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
- 6
Add the rinsed brown lentils and water to the pot.
- 7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
About 15 min
- 8
Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, cover again, and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice and lentils are tender.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: Avoid lifting the lid too often to ensure even cooking.
- 9
Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: This resting period allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- 10
Fluff the mujadara gently with a fork.
About 1 min
- 11
Serve warm, garnished with the reserved caramelized onions and fresh parsley.
Cook’s note: A dollop of vegan yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice can be a nice addition.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 511.4kcal
- Protein
- 16.1g
- Carbs
- 78.7g
- Fat
- 14.9g
- Fibre
- 7.4g
- Sugar
- 5.8g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover mujadara in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Vegan Bibimbap with Gochujang
This vibrant and nutritious vegan bibimbap features a colorful array of seasoned vegetables, savory marinated tofu, and a spicy gochujang sauce, all served over warm rice. It's a satisfying and customizable meal that offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
1 hr 15 min 533 kcalmain course
Stargazy Pie
Stargazy Pie is a traditional Cornish dish featuring whole pilchards (or sardines) baked into a pastry crust, with their heads peeking out of the top. This savory pie combines flaky pastry with a creamy filling of fish, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs, offering a unique and hearty meal.
1 hr 25 minmain course
Faisan Aux Choux (Pheasant With Cabbage)
A rustic French dish featuring a whole pheasant braised with savoy cabbage, smoky bacon, and aromatic vegetables. Slow cooking makes the pheasant incredibly tender and infuses the cabbage with rich, savory flavors. It's a hearty and elegant main course, perfect for a cool evening.
2 hr 30 minmain course
Kebapche
A classic Bulgarian grilled sausage made from a simple mixture of minced pork and beef. Seasoned with cumin and black pepper, these are traditionally cooked on a grill and are perfect for a summer barbecue or simple weeknight dinner.
57 min 554 kcalmain course
Izgara Köfteler (Grilled Meatballs)
These grilled Turkish meatballs are a staple, offering a delightful blend of savory spices and tender ground meat. They are perfect for a main course, served alongside fresh vegetables or rice. The simple preparation allows the rich flavors to shine through.
1 hr 10 min 413 kcalsoup
Mercimek Corba
This comforting Turkish lentil soup is a staple, known for its vibrant color and rich, earthy flavor. Made with red lentils, vegetables, and a simple spice blend, it's both nourishing and satisfying. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a drizzle of chili-infused oil elevate this classic dish.
45 min 328 kcalside dish
Cucumber Raita
This vibrant Indian Cucumber Raita is a cooling and creamy yogurt-based condiment, perfect for balancing the heat of spicy curries or as a refreshing side dish. Finely grated cucumber and aromatic fresh herbs are swirled into plain yogurt, seasoned with a touch of cumin and black salt, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
30 min 109 kcal