Mujadara is a timeless dish made from simple, wholesome ingredients like lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. Packed with earthy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, it's as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Perfect on its own or paired with yogurt and fresh salad, this classic recipe brings warmth and tradition to your table.
Mujadara is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice (or sometimes bulgur), and caramelized onions.
It's a simple, hearty, and flavorful vegetarian meal, often seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, or cinnamon.
The combination of lentils and rice makes it a great source of plant-based protein, and the sweetness of the caramelized onions balances the earthy flavor of the lentils.
So whenever you have leftover rice, save time and make this Mujadara with it.
Of course, cooking rice fresh for this Mujadara is just as amazing. What you will get is a standout dish for the whole family that is
easy to make with simple ingredients
delicious
flavorful
budget friendly
great for meal prep
versatile
filling
What ingredients go into this Mujadara recipe
The ingredients you need to make this easy Lentils and Rice recipe are common kitchen staples.
Rice serves as the dish's starchy base, offering a soft and neutral texture that balances the earthiness of the lentils. Typically, white or long-grain rice is used for its ability to absorb the flavors of the spices and olive oil, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
The star of the dish, lentils, provides a rich, earthy flavor and a healthy dose of plant-based protein. Brown or green lentils are most commonly used, as they hold their shape during cooking and pair well with the soft texture of the rice. Together, the rice and lentils create a hearty, satisfying foundation that's both nutritious and filling.
Flavor comes alive with the addition of caramelized onions, olive oil, and warm spices like cumin. The onions are deeply browned to bring sweetness and are used generously both inside the dish and as a garnish. Olive oil not only helps cook the onions to perfection but also adds richness and a Mediterranean touch. Garlic and cumin lend their bold, savory aromas, enhancing the dish's complexity and ensuring it's packed with flavor in every bite.
Optional you can add finely chopped garlic.
How to make Mujadara
Before we start, keep in mind that the recipe calls for the rice and lentils being already cooked to save time.
If you need to do precook these, use 1 cup uncooked rice and 2 cups water, and the same amounts for the lentils.
Also you can cook both in the same pot you need to double the water amount.
Please make sure to start with the rice or lentils first, which will depend what takes longer. Any rice or lentils will work.
Heat a skillet with ⅓ cup olive oil, reserve the remaining 2 tbs for later. Make sure the oil is hot, then add the onions and fry them for 15 minutes.
Stir until caramelized, finally season with salt and pepper.
At the same time, heat another casserole or skillet with 2 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and fry for 1 minute
Now add cumin, cooked rice and lentils to that skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 4 minutes.
Mix in optional parsley, if you like.
Serving Lentils and Rice
When all is done, serve Mujadara on plates or in bowls. Adding a dollop of my 30 Seconds Best Hummus Recipe on top is delicious.
You can serve the rice and lentils separately, or just mix everything together. Both ways are delicious.
This Mujadara makes such an easy meal for dinner, lunch, and meal prep that everyone can count on.
Tips and tricks for the perfect Mujadara
As you can see, I keep it really simple in this recipe and use rice and lentils that are already cooked to save time. You can prepare a big batch ahead of time and have everything on hand and prepared. Pro tip: To make it even easier, use canned lentils.
Less oil: you can skip the 2 tbs of olive oil for cooking the rice and simply reheat it on the stove or in microwave. But note that the result will be different as I find that extra oil adds so much flavor.
This Mujadara is super easy to make with simple ingredients that you might already have on hand. It is full of flavor, packed with the right texture and naturally vegan.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked rice
5 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon cumin
⅓ cup olive oil + 2 Tbs, divided
2 cups cooked lentils
3 cups onions, sliced
salt, pepper to taste
Optional:
½ cup parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Heat a skillet with ⅓ cup olive oil, reserve the remaining 2 tbs for later. Make sure the oil is hot, then add the onions and fry them for 15 minutes. Stir until caramelized, season with salt and pepper.
At the same time, heat another casserole or skillet with 2 Tbs olive oil. Add minced garlic and fry for 1 minute
Now add cumin, cooked rice and lentils to that skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 4 minutes. Mix in the onions and optional parsley, if you like.
Hi Julie! It will work, yet the result will be a bit different. I think green lentils are better, because they have more texture than red lentils. Hope that helps and let me know what you think.
This has become a go-to dish for me. I always liked balsamic carmelized onions, so I translated that to this recipe by putting a splash of balsamic vinegar into the onions once they start to develope some color. It goes great! Thank you!
Wow...this looks delicious, and so simple. Can't wait to make this tonight. I stumbled upon this quite unexpectedly and am subscribing immediately. Thank you!
Thanks for your great feedback and making it, Lori! Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review?This is so helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
@Lalily, Hi, I believe the point of 2 skillets is so that while your onions are caramelizing, which take the longest, you can prepare the rest of the dish. Cuts down on time.
I couldn’t believe how good this was for as simple as it was! Definitely something I’ll be making regularly.
Rather than dirtying two skillets I just mixed everything together in one. Also paired it with roasted turmeric cauliflower. Yum!
I've made some adjustment to the recipe. Added green chilies, added small green chilies and I use cashew nuts (chopped in chunky size) in my fridge since I don't have lentils. I use fresh cumin, pestled them until it becomes really fine. Blend the chilies and garlic and cumin. Pour the blended ingredients into heated oil, stir. Add cashew nuts. Stir. Add rice. Add salt and pepper. Add ajinomoto (very very little). Stir well until the blended ingredients cover the whole rice thoroughly. Remove the rice into a plate. Sprinkle the rice with caramelized onions (generously) and parsley. Next time I want to sprinkle cashew nuts as well. Really enjoyed my lunch. My mom loves it a lot.
Great your family love it so much, Nuri! Thanks for your feedback. Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
Thanks for your great feedback and making it, Veronica. Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? This is so helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
I finally made this last night. It was wonderful! The caramelized onions and fresh parsley added flavoring that was not overpowering as many lentil dishes are. Even my omnivore older mother seemed to enjoy it 🙂 I made the rice ahead of time and used vacuum packed lentils from Whole Foods (never mushy!) so it was a breeze to whip up for a Monday night dinner. This recipe will definitely go into the rotation. Thank you!!
Thanks so much for your amazing feedback and making it, Deanna! Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? This is super helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
How long would this keep in the fridge? Would it freeze well? I ask because, while I could probably smash the entire amount in one sitting, my dietitian would have kittens if I did.
Question. Do you think i can use black lentils? And how about tzatziki on the side? I have both of these things to use up please lmk any suggestions you have!!!
Hi Florian, just stumbled across your website and I am so looking forward to making this dish tomorrow. I know it will be a favourite for me as I love rice and am always looking for rice recipes. Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks Florian.
Made this dish today and OMG it was sensational. This is the best rice dish ever and I'm going to be cooking it every week. Gave my neighbour a taste and she loves it. Cooked enough to freeze for a few days. Thanks so much Florian .10 stars.
Hi Mindy! Thanks for your great feedback. Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks a lot.
Hi Mariia! Thanks for your great feedback! Don't forget to leave a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for your wonderful feedback and making it, Rachel! Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks a bunch.
Thanks for your great feedback, Suzi! Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks a lot.
I’m curious where the 10.1 grams of sugar is coming from in the nutritional info? I would like to make this for dinner tonight but I’m watching my sugar intake
We have been eating this dish all my life 60+ years. Was always a Lenten meal as well. Served alongside of fish. Never made it like this.. gonna give it a try as we always have cooked and bagged rice in freezer. ??
Thanks for your feedback, Carol! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful for other readers and me. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for your feedback, Juana! Don’t forget leaving a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful fro other readers and me. Thanks a lot.
This lentil dish was delicious! I had never cooked lentils before but the instructions were easy to follow and the dish came out great. Mujadara was outside of our normal meal menus but is one that we will be having again soon. Thanks for helping us try something different.
Thanks for your great feedback, Cat! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful for other readers and me. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for your amazing feedback, Lisa! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review on my blog? Your experience is so helpful for other readers and me. Thanks so much.
I love Mujadara and after living on it for several weeks in the Middle East, using a pre mixed bag, all dry, I made my own back home.
It works well with quinoa.
Also, I have sometimes added ground meat as a whole meal, or thrown in more vegetables.....even chopped dates. I love to experiment with dressing it up
Thanks for your wonderful feedback and making it, Edjna! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful for other readers and me. Thanks.
Hi Simone! I convert the recipe for you into metric measurements and you will need: 300 g uncooked rice, which is 600 g cooked, 80 g + 25 g olive oil, 150g cooked lentils and finally 400 g onions. Hope that helps and let me know what you think.
This was delicious and easy- I would highly recommend! Will for sure be making this again and again. Good hot OR cold!
I made it with brown rice and freshly ground cumin and the flavours were amazing.
Thanks so much for sharing.
I've made this twice now - a real keeper, especially when served with really thick greek yoghurt.
First time I was using up cold leftover rice and boiled green lentils to add. Second time I boiled rice and green lentils together especially to make it.
I must say I think the cold rice version had the edge and I will try and be organised well enough to do it that way in future.
I've seen many recipes for Mujadara and made a few of them (which I love and this one looks like a great one) but I've never seen a side sauce. I'm intrigued. What is it?
Hi Cheryl! Thanks for your amazing feedback. That sounds amazing tov serve it up with sweet potato hummus. I need to try that, next time. Please do a star rating with your review as well, because it helps other readers a lot to know about your experience.
Very easy to make, I made it today will be making it again!
What kind of lentilsxare pictured here?
Hi Sandy! Brown lentils. Hope that helps.
@Florian, would it also work with red or green lentils? I apparently have an allergy only to brown lentils
Hi Julie! It will work, yet the result will be a bit different. I think green lentils are better, because they have more texture than red lentils. Hope that helps and let me know what you think.
Is that yogurt on the plate with it? Looks delish!
Hi Jodi! It is hummus, so delicious. Let me know how it goes.
Pretty good, I'll make it again. I added a shake of curry to my personal bowl and it was really tasty.
This has become a go-to dish for me. I always liked balsamic carmelized onions, so I translated that to this recipe by putting a splash of balsamic vinegar into the onions once they start to develope some color. It goes great! Thank you!
I made this today and it was not only easy but fragrant! This will be my go-to rice/lentil dish.
Thanks for making and sharing it, Shantel! Happy to hear it was such a big hit. I hope you'll find lots of more recipes to try.
This was fantastic. Thanks!
Absolutely delicious! Thank-you!
Where do you put the onions?
It doesn’t say. Is it a garnish?
Hi Joanne,
onions have to be mixed in the final step. Thanks for noticing, is fixed now.
Hi! Just to be clear, is it three cups of rice measured before or after it is cooked?
Hi there! It is after cooking! Hope that helps.
Wow...this looks delicious, and so simple. Can't wait to make this tonight. I stumbled upon this quite unexpectedly and am subscribing immediately. Thank you!
Love this, going to make it today! Is that hummus on the side in the picture?!
Hi Violet! Yes, indeed. Everything is better with hummus, enjoy.
Can you add raisins?
Hi Monika! Of course, let me know what you think.
What type of onion do you use? Yellow? Red? Thanks!
Hi Maya! Yellow is fine. Hope that helps.
Just made this for this week's lunches. Totally agree that the olive oil gives this dish great flavor. Thanks!
Thanks for your great feedback and making it, Lori! Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review?This is so helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
This sounds great, I just don't understand why you need a second skillet for the garlic, unless I haven't read it correctly. Thanks
Hi Rachel! The second skillet is needed for the garlic, cumin, lentils and rice. Hope that clarifies.
@Rachel Vallis, me either, I would do it all in one. Less clean up!
@Lalily, Hi, I believe the point of 2 skillets is so that while your onions are caramelizing, which take the longest, you can prepare the rest of the dish. Cuts down on time.
I couldn’t believe how good this was for as simple as it was! Definitely something I’ll be making regularly.
Rather than dirtying two skillets I just mixed everything together in one. Also paired it with roasted turmeric cauliflower. Yum!
Thanks for your feedback, Joni! Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? This is so helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
I've made some adjustment to the recipe. Added green chilies, added small green chilies and I use cashew nuts (chopped in chunky size) in my fridge since I don't have lentils. I use fresh cumin, pestled them until it becomes really fine. Blend the chilies and garlic and cumin. Pour the blended ingredients into heated oil, stir. Add cashew nuts. Stir. Add rice. Add salt and pepper. Add ajinomoto (very very little). Stir well until the blended ingredients cover the whole rice thoroughly. Remove the rice into a plate. Sprinkle the rice with caramelized onions (generously) and parsley. Next time I want to sprinkle cashew nuts as well. Really enjoyed my lunch. My mom loves it a lot.
Great your family love it so much, Nuri! Thanks for your feedback. Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
@Florian,
I've given a 5-star review. Hope you received it : )
Thank you, Nuri! ? I hope you'll find lots of more recipes to try.
You forgott tó mentik spooning the onions on top. I ate this dish i Egypt. Delicious
Thanks for your great feedback and making it, Veronica. Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? This is so helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
I finally made this last night. It was wonderful! The caramelized onions and fresh parsley added flavoring that was not overpowering as many lentil dishes are. Even my omnivore older mother seemed to enjoy it 🙂 I made the rice ahead of time and used vacuum packed lentils from Whole Foods (never mushy!) so it was a breeze to whip up for a Monday night dinner. This recipe will definitely go into the rotation. Thank you!!
Thanks so much for your amazing feedback and making it, Deanna! Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? This is super helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
How long would this keep in the fridge? Would it freeze well? I ask because, while I could probably smash the entire amount in one sitting, my dietitian would have kittens if I did.
Hi Dan! You can store it in the fridge for around 4 days. For freezing it will last 3 months. Hope that helps.
Question. Do you think i can use black lentils? And how about tzatziki on the side? I have both of these things to use up please lmk any suggestions you have!!!
Hi Kimberly! You can absolutely use them. Tzatziki or hummus is amazing on the side. ?
@Florian, thank you! I will report back!!
Hi Florian, just stumbled across your website and I am so looking forward to making this dish tomorrow. I know it will be a favourite for me as I love rice and am always looking for rice recipes. Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks Florian.
Happy to help and thank you, Sharon! Let me know what you think. One of my favorites. ?
Made this dish today and OMG it was sensational. This is the best rice dish ever and I'm going to be cooking it every week. Gave my neighbour a taste and she loves it. Cooked enough to freeze for a few days. Thanks so much Florian .10 stars.
Thanks for your wonderful feedback and making it, Sharon. I hope you'll find lots of more recipes to try.
Made this last night. SO easy and so delicious. I used cilantro instead of parsley.
Thanks for your great feedback, Denise!
Made this recently and loved it! I used red lentils and added some sweet corn and a pinch of paprika. So easy and simple to make and very delicious ?
Thanks for your great feedback, Samantha! Would you mind leaving a star rating? Your feedback is so helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
Would this work with black lentils too?
Hi Pat! I think it would, but the result will be different. Let me know what you think.
Made this delicious meal 2 days ago and it was so good! It's going to be a staple in my meal planning now! Thanks so much
Thanks for making it, Kimberli! ?
I've made this 3 times! Love it!
Hi Mindy! Thanks for your great feedback. Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks a lot.
Sounds wonderful. Is it good with brown rice?
Hi Aimee! Of course it will be really delicious with brown rice. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
I was so good that I’ve cooked it twice in a row! Very quick and delicious recipe!
Hi Mariia! Thanks for your great feedback! Don't forget to leave a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks a lot.
A favorite of mine. Love those blackened onions. Five stars.
Thanks, Linda!
This was delicious! We used a combination of brown rice and farro. We didn't have any hummus so we used a dollop of plain Greek yogurt - it was tasty!
Thanks for your wonderful feedback and making it, Rachel! Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks a bunch.
Is the cumin whole or ground powder?
Hi Ni! Grounded and hope that clarifies.
Two words.... SO GOOD!! Oh, and YUMMM!!!
Thanks for your great feedback, Suzi! Would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? Your experience is so helpful for other readers. Thanks a lot.
Cumin seeds or cumin powder?
Hi Alexandra! Cumin powder.
I’m curious where the 10.1 grams of sugar is coming from in the nutritional info? I would like to make this for dinner tonight but I’m watching my sugar intake
Hi Terri! Onions are naturally rich in sugar. Hope that helps and clarifies.
Just made this, so easy and tasty. Added cashew nuts and curry powder as had no cumin.
Left you a five star review x
Thanks for your great feedback and making it, Vanessa!
We have been eating this dish all my life 60+ years. Was always a Lenten meal as well. Served alongside of fish. Never made it like this.. gonna give it a try as we always have cooked and bagged rice in freezer. ??
Great and let me know what you think.
Is there something that would work as a substitute for cumin, for those of us who can't eat high oxalate? Thank you!
Hi Roberta! You can try mustard, but keep in mind the result will be different. Let me know what you think.
How much is a cup, they come in many sizes. I am living in England and most recipes are by weight. Thank you.
Hi There! 1 cup is around 250g.
Can this be frozen or will the consistency of the rice and/or lentils deteriorate?
Hi Jennifer! It can be, but it tastes best fresh. Hope that clarifies and helps.
We love this dish only I make it with riced cauliflower.
Thanks for your feedback, Carol! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful for other readers and me. Thanks a lot.
Came out really good I did add some red pepper flakes for a little kick
Thanks for your feedback, Juana! Don’t forget leaving a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful fro other readers and me. Thanks a lot.
This was absolutely amazing! My husband loved it, too!
Thanks for your feedback! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. Your feedback is so helpful for others. Thanks a lot.
This lentil dish was delicious! I had never cooked lentils before but the instructions were easy to follow and the dish came out great. Mujadara was outside of our normal meal menus but is one that we will be having again soon. Thanks for helping us try something different.
Thanks for making it and your feedback, Michele! I hope you'll find lots of more recipes to try.
A wonderful dish. Easy and flavorful.
Thanks for your great feedback, Cat! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful for other readers and me. Thanks a lot.
Excellent recipe with Hummus idea will try. Practical, nutritious and just right for the Cost of Living Crisis Vegan too.
Let me know what you think, Yasemin!
This is amazing. I love this dish!
Thanks for your amazing feedback, Lisa! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review on my blog? Your experience is so helpful for other readers and me. Thanks so much.
Hi can this be served cold or is it
best hot
Hi Beverley! It is truly delicious cold and hot. Just matter of taste and preferences. Hope that helps and let me know what you think.
This looks great but I’m not a big fan of cumin, can you recommend a different spice please ?
Hi Debbie! Add more garlic and a small pinch chili flakes. Let me know what you think.
My son made this for our family, he’s not vegetarian but found it tasted delicious! He will make it for his veggie girlfriend - it’s so tasty!
Thanks for your great feedback, Lisa! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. So helpful for other readers. Thanks so much.
Love mujadara! I even throw on raisins. It is a quick side dish or a meal with a salad. True comfort food.
Sounds delicious, Barbara! I'll have to try next time.
I often cook my brown rice and lentils together for 25 minutes
Always comes in handy, right?
this is a staple in our house as it is a traditional Syrian dish! So good with hummus but try it with sour cream too - so good!!!
Enjoy, Michelle!
We prepared it, with a small twist, bulgur instead of rice (as that is what we had as leftovers), and it turned out great!
Thanks for the feedback, Patricia! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. So helpful for other readers and me. Thank you.
I love Mujadara and after living on it for several weeks in the Middle East, using a pre mixed bag, all dry, I made my own back home.
It works well with quinoa.
Also, I have sometimes added ground meat as a whole meal, or thrown in more vegetables.....even chopped dates. I love to experiment with dressing it up
Love that you share your preparation, Nancy! Thanks and enjoy.
This is a beautifully flavoured recipe and so easy to make! I'll be making this again.
Thanks for the feedback and making it, Judy! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. So helpful for other readers and me. Thanks.
Amazing taste!!! Have been making every week for dinner and leftovers taking to work!!! Marvellous......
Thanks for your wonderful feedback and making it, Edjna! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. Your experience is so helpful for other readers and me. Thanks.
Looks great just wish also put metric measurements too
Hi Simone! I convert the recipe for you into metric measurements and you will need: 300 g uncooked rice, which is 600 g cooked, 80 g + 25 g olive oil, 150g cooked lentils and finally 400 g onions. Hope that helps and let me know what you think.
We are on the Daniel fast for church and this is one of my favorite meals to make. So simple to make, but the flavors are wonderful!
Thanks for the great feedback, Holli! Don't forget leaving a star rating with review on my blog. So helpful for other readers and me. Thank you.
This was delicious and easy- I would highly recommend! Will for sure be making this again and again. Good hot OR cold!
I made it with brown rice and freshly ground cumin and the flavours were amazing.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi there! Thanks for the feedback and making it! Don't forget leaving a star rating with your review. So helpful for other readers and me. Thank you.
I've made this twice now - a real keeper, especially when served with really thick greek yoghurt.
First time I was using up cold leftover rice and boiled green lentils to add. Second time I boiled rice and green lentils together especially to make it.
I must say I think the cold rice version had the edge and I will try and be organised well enough to do it that way in future.
Thanks for your great feedback, Paul and making it! Please do a star rating with your review. Thank you.
I've seen many recipes for Mujadara and made a few of them (which I love and this one looks like a great one) but I've never seen a side sauce. I'm intrigued. What is it?
Hi there you can use hummus or garlic sauce, enjoy!
When you add the lentils, do you add the liquid too?
Hi Maria! I add the lentils with the rice together and fry them. I do not use the liquid, hope that clarifies and helps. Let me know what you think.
I made this for lunch today, and it was so good. We had it with sweet potato hummus that i made a few days ago.
Thanks for a great recipe.
Hi Cheryl! Thanks for your amazing feedback. That sounds amazing tov serve it up with sweet potato hummus. I need to try that, next time. Please do a star rating with your review as well, because it helps other readers a lot to know about your experience.