This flavorful Mujadara comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients or make it a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to use what you have on hand! Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become your go-to recipe for busy nights and cozy family dinners.
Ingredient Breakdown
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this amazing Mujadara. Don’t worry; these ingredients are simple and often found in your pantry. Plus, you can always mix and match to suit your family’s preferences!
1 cup brown lentils
1 cup rice
4 large onions, sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups water or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cumin (optional)
Cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rinse the lentils: Start by rinsing those lovely lentils under cold water. If you’ve got time, let them soak for about 30 minutes to soften them up. If you’re in a real hurry, no big deal, just drain and get to boiling!
Cook the lentils: In a large pot, toss in the lentils along with 4 cups of water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender but not mushy. You want a little bite to them, don’t overdo it!
Cook the rice: In a separate pot, prepare the rice according to package instructions. Set it aside once it’s fluffy and perfect.
Sauté the onions: Meanwhile, grab a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, stirring frequently, until they’re golden brown and crispy. This may take about 15-20 minutes but oh boy, the aroma is divine! Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, you want them caramelized, not burnt.
Combine everything: Once your lentils are cooked, add in the rice along with a couple pinches of salt, pepper, and cumin if you’re feeling spicy. Stir gently to combine and let it cook together for about 5 minutes. This lets those flavors meld beautifully!
Serve: Plate the lentil-rice mix and top it with those crispy, heavenly onions. If you like, throw on some fresh cilantro or parsley for that pop of color and freshness.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Mujadara is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting yet quick. As a busy single mom, I appreciate how it not only fits into my schedule but also pleases my kids! They absolutely devour it and often ask for seconds (always a win in my book). And the best part is, it’s a blank canvas! You can use whatever you’ve got on hand, veggies, spices, or even leftover proteins. You’ll just love how versatile it is.
If you loved this Mujadara, be sure to check out my Shawarma Chicken And Rice, my Persian Skewered Meat, or my Gordon Ramsay Turkey Burger!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Mujadara truly comes together in under 30 minutes! With minimal prep, no chopping endless ingredients, just a few onions, and simple cooking methods, you’ll be enjoying a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
One-Pot Wonder
This recipe is a home cook’s dream! It all cooks in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Less time cleaning means more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones!
Budget-Friendly
If you want efficient meals that won’t break the bank, Mujadara is your best friend. It uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you probably already have hanging around in your pantry.
Customizable
Feeling like adding some veggies? Go for it! Want to spice it up with different herbs or spices? Yes, please! Mujadara is incredibly forgiving and can take on many flavors, making it a great way to use up leftovers.
Comfort Food
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor and is just so satisfying. With the creamy lentils, fluffy rice, and crispy onions, each bite is a little piece of comfort, like a warm hug after a long day.
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Mujadara
Serve this delicious Mujadara warm, right off the stove! It pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad, yogurt, or pita bread. It also makes an excellent base for grilled meats if you want some extra protein.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. It’s a great option for meal prep!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water if it seems a bit dry.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! Mujadara freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Say Hello to Your New Go-To Recipe!
I hope you find joy in making this Mujadara as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in warmth and fills your home with delicious smells. Seriously, your family will love it, and you can have it ready in just 30 minutes!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Trust me, this will quickly become a favorite meal in your home!
And remember, food is all about bringing people together. Enjoy the journey as much as the meal itself!
Feel free to adjust the portions to fit your family’s needs, and don’t be shy about experimenting with flavors. You can totally do this! Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Print
Mujadara
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A flavorful, one-pot meal combining lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 4 large onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cumin (optional)
- Cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water. If you have time, soak them for about 30 minutes.
- In a large pot, combine the lentils and 4 cups of water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the rice according to package instructions in a separate pot.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions until golden brown and crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
- When the lentils are cooked, add the rice, salt, pepper, and cumin to the pot and stir gently. Cook together for about 5 minutes.
- Plate the lentil-rice mix and top with the crispy onions. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Notes
This dish is customizable—feel free to add any leftover veggies or proteins you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
