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 Tbsp 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
Deanna
Tuesday 21st of September 2021
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!!
Florian
Tuesday 21st of September 2021
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.
Veronica Morra
Sunday 12th of September 2021
You forgott tó mentik spooning the onions on top. I ate this dish i Egypt. Delicious
Florian
Sunday 12th of September 2021
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.
Nuri Wiśniewski
Saturday 17th of July 2021
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.
Nuri Wiśniewski
Sunday 18th of July 2021
@Florian, I've given a 5-star review. Hope you received it : )
Florian
Saturday 17th of July 2021
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.
Joni
Wednesday 21st of April 2021
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!
Florian
Wednesday 21st of April 2021
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.
Rachel Vallis
Friday 26th of March 2021
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
Lalily
Sunday 2nd of May 2021
@Rachel Vallis, me either, I would do it all in one. Less clean up!
Florian
Friday 26th of March 2021
Hi Rachel! The second skillet is needed for the garlic, cumin, lentils and rice. Hope that clarifies.