Mujadara (Rice and Lentils)

Last Updated on April 11, 2022

Mujadara, a Lebanese rice and lentils dish, is a delicious weeknight side dish to serve with any meal. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and an affordable meal prep for the week. This recipe was made in partnership with the USA Rice Federation, but all opinions are my own. 

Rice and Lentils, aka Mujadara

Growing up, we had mujadara quite often during the week. My mom would serve it with yogurt and a fresh vegetable salad, but recently I’ve been loving it with a grilled piece of salmon.

The rice and lentils get cooked together, then served with caramelized onion and a few simple spices. This middle eastern dish is so easy to make, and pairs well as a side dish for any meal. 

Rice is a huge staple in more than half of the world’s diets, and is a great source of carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants. 

There are so many varieties of rice, including long grain, short grain, wild, brown and white to name a few. For this recipe, I used U.S-grown long-grain Jasmine rice, which is one of my personal favorites because of its versatility. 

Rice Benefits 

U.S.-grown rice packs in more than 15 essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, folic acid and B vitamins. It’s also naturally free of sodium, cholesterol and gluten. 

Purchasing rice grown in the USA helps support local growers, while also reducing your food miles. It’s a great boost of energy and whole-grains, which can help lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. 

Rice is also shelf-stable, affordable, and can be used in SO many recipes. 

How to make Mujadara

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Lebanese rice and lentils dish:

1. Long grain rice, like U.S-grown Jasmine rice
2. Brown or green lentils. Brown or green lentils are ideal in this recipe since they hold their shape well and don’t get too soft, like red lentils
3. Onions, and lots of them!
4. Cumin, salt and a pinch of cinnamon
5. Garnishes like mint, parsley and yogurt 

This simple dish is nutrient dense, affordable, and the perfect meal prep side dish! You guys are going to love it. 

This post was sponsored by the USA Rice Federation, but all opinions are my own. I only work with brands I truly love and believe in.

What to serve with your rice and lentils:

Honey Jalapeno Salmon

Falafel Veggie Burgers

Roasted Cabbage with Maple Tahini

Honey Za’atar Salmon

Mujadara (Rice and Lentils)

0 from 0 votes

Course: Gluten-Free, Main, Vegan

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Total time

55

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup 1 U.S-grown jasmine rice

• 1 cup 1 brown or green lentils

• 3 3 yellow onions

• 2 2 -4 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp 1 salt, plus more to taste

• 2 tsp 2 cumin

• 1 tsp 1 cinnamon

• Top with: fresh mint, yogurt

Directions

• To a large pot, add the lentils with one tbsp of olive oil, the cumin, cinnamon and 1 tsp salt. Toss together on medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Add 3 cups of water to the pot, cover with a lid and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. There should still be some liquid, and the lentils should be parboiled.
• After 20 minutes, add the rice into the same pot with the lentils and add another 2 cups of water. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil again, then once boiling reduce the heat to low and let the rice and lentils simmer for about 25 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed.
• Once ready, set the pot aside and let it sit for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Adjust the salt to taste.
• While that boils, dice one of the onions, and slice the other two into strips.
• Heat a large pan with 1 tbsp of olive oil and saute the diced onion first for 6-7 minutes on medium heat until it browns. Set it aside to mix into the rice and lentils.
• Once you remove the diced onion, add another 2 tbsp of olive oil to the same pan and add in your sliced onions. Cook them on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and become caramelized. You can cook them on a higher heat at the end for another 1-2 minutes to let them crisp up. Season with ¼ tsp of salt.
• Once the rice and lentils are ready, mix in the diced onions then transfer the mixture to a serving plate.
• Top it with the caramelized onions and serve with fresh mint and yogurt!
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @somethingnutritious on Instagram- I’d love to see your creations!