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.
This recipe will really quickly become a keeper in your kitchen. It is perfect for leftover rice recipes, just like my Spanish Rice and Beans, Cuban Rice and Beans, or the Cajun Sweet Potato Rice Bowl.
So whenever you have leftover rice, save time and make this Mujadara with it, yum.
Looking for more rice ideas? Use the search bar and find something more that the whole family will love and even the pickiest kids will eat it up.
Why you should try these Lentils and Rice
Here are some of the reasons why you should make this Mujadara recipe. It is:
- easy to make with simple ingredients
- delicious
- flavorful
- budget friendly
- great for meal prep
- versatile
- filling

What you need for this Mujadara recipe
- rice
- lentils
- onions
- olive oil
- cumin
- garlic
Optional you can add:
- parsley, finely chopped
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 1/3 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 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 optional parsley, if you like.
Finally, serve on plates or in bowls.
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:
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.
Things to serve: a dollop of my 30 Seconds Best Hummus Recipe on top is delicious.
If you give this easy Mujadara a try, tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
Share your remakes!
Cheers, Florian.

Mujadara
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 tsp cumin
- 1/3 cup olive oil + 2 Tbs, divided
- 2 cups cooked lentils
- 3 cups onions, sliced
- salt, pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat a skillet with 1/3 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.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 2 cupsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 501Total Fat: 18.9gSaturated Fat: 2.7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15.6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 8.7mgCarbohydrates: 71gFiber: 10.9gSugar: 10.1gProtein: 14.6g
Monika
Tuesday 5th of January 2021
Can you add raisins?
Florian
Tuesday 5th of January 2021
Hi Monika! Of course, let me know what you think.
Violet
Tuesday 1st of December 2020
Love this, going to make it today! Is that hummus on the side in the picture?!
Florian
Tuesday 1st of December 2020
Hi Violet! Yes, indeed. Everything is better with hummus, enjoy.
Laura T.
Friday 2nd of October 2020
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!
Krist
Tuesday 8th of September 2020
Hi! Just to be clear, is it three cups of rice measured before or after it is cooked?
Florian
Tuesday 8th of September 2020
Hi there! It is after cooking! Hope that helps.
Joanne
Saturday 25th of July 2020
Where do you put the onions? It doesn’t say. Is it a garnish?
Florian
Saturday 25th of July 2020
Hi Joanne, onions have to be mixed in the final step. Thanks for noticing, is fixed now.