• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Amira's Pantry
  • About me
  • All Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Subscribe!
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About me
  • All Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Subscribe!
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About me
  • All Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Subscribe!
×
Home » Middle Eastern

Lebanese Mujadara Recipe

Published: Mar 1, 2025 · Modified: Mar 1, 2025 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
Jump to Recipe

Mujadara a simple yet satisfying lentil and rice dish garnished with crispy caramelized onions. This easy meatless meal is also gluten free and budget friendly. Mujadara is one of the oldest dishes from the Levant area and is referred to as the cousin of Koshari.

A white serving platter with mujadara garnished with chopped parsley.
Authentic Mujadara Recipe.

Making mujadara easily in one pot has been a game-changer for me. All you need is just 30 minutes after soaking the lentils, and your dinner is ready. This dish is a great recipe for weeknight dinners.

Jump to:
  • Mujadara
  • Ingredients you'll need
  • 🥄 Instructions
  • Your questions answered: FAQs
  • My notes
  • Storage
  • Make ahead
  • Perfect pairings: what to serve with
  • You'll also like
  • Lebanese Mujadara Recipe
  • 👩‍🏫 My Personal Experience

Mujadara

  • Classic Lebanese mujadara is a comforting dish made in one pot and so easy to make.
  • A Budget friendly meal and a simple dish made with pantry staples.
  • Full of fiber so it's healthy and will fill you up.

If you're looking for a meatless dinner idea, mujadara is a good choice. Experience this Middle Eastern classic at home. Simple ingredients are combined but yet each bite delivers well-balanced flavor of the rice, lentils and onions and the pan fried crispy caramelized onions can't be beat!

Ingredients you'll need

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Mujadara ingredients on a marble table.

📋 Ingredient Notes

  • Green lentils: Has a nice texture and holds up when cooked with the rice.
  • Rice: Any kind of rice can be used such as Basmati or brown rice.
  • Onions: Large yellow onions are a common onion and with a light mild flavor makes it perfect for many recipes.
  • Salt: Brings out the flavor of lentils and rice.
  • Ground Cumin: Adds a nice seasoning mix with the salt.
  • Oil: Used to sauté and pan fry the crispy onions.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

  1. Rinse lentils with cold water, drain and place in a bowl then cover with hot water. Let lentils soak for 30 minutes.
  2. In a deep pot over medium high heat, fry sliced onions in oil until deep golden brown.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate with a paper towel.
A collage of 4 images showing how to cook mujadara in one pot.
  1. In the same pot sauté the chopped onions on medium heat until browned.
  2. Add in rice and stir to coat rice with oil.
  3. Drain lentils and add them in the pot with cumin and salt, stir to combine.
  4. Add hot water, mix well then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer on low heat until cooked. Serve topped with fried onions and plain yogurt on the side more about that on the serve with section below.

Your questions answered: FAQs

What kind of lentils are best?

I prefer green lentils or brown as they hold their texture much better when making mujadara. Red lentils tend to become very soft and it is recommend not to use them when making this recipe.

How far in advance can I soak the lentils?

Lentils can be soaked up to about 3 days. Longer than that the beans will get soft and may start to rot. Also keep in mind, the longer you soak them, the quicker they may disintegrate and get mushy when cooked. Always follow the recipe recommendation for best results.

My notes

  • Any type of rice will work in this recipe.
  • You can also use brown but adjust the water level accordingly.
  • Start with 2 ½ cups of water and check the doneness of the mixture. For a softer mixture, up the water to 3 cups.
A close up look bowl of mujadara with a spoon in it.

Storage

Place any leftover mujadara in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months, thaw in fridge before reheating.

Reheating: reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to regain moisture. Individual portions can be reheated covered in the microwave.

Make ahead

You can make mujadara ahead of time and store in the fridge. Make the onion topping and refrigerate separately. When ready to eat, reheat with a dash of water, then top with caramelized onion.

Perfect pairings: what to serve with

  • Mujadara is hearty enough to serve by itself, I like serving it with fattoush salad, cucumber yogurt or Tabouli on the side.
  • Serve Lebanese Mujadara with some Greek yogurt or even Greek Yogurt Dill Sauce.
  • Lebanese Mujadara can be served hot or room temperature as a side dish with Kofta Kebab , Lebanese Kafta, or Grilled Chicken Tenders.
A top view of a bowl of mujadara with yogurt sauce on top.
This classic Mujadara is a comfort food recipe your family will love.

You'll also like

  • Here is a roasted rice recipe garnished with toasted nuts and sweet raisins.
  • Learn how to easily cook Basmati white rice in the instant pot.
  • Another favorite rice recipe known as Lebanese rice or vermicelli rice, is a rice I grew up eating every day.
  • Here is an authentic koshari recipe with all the tips and tricks to get the best koshari on the table.
  • Flavorful Kabsa recipe coming to you from the heart of the Middle Easy. This Saudi Kabsa is a flavorful chicken and rice recipe you will never forget.

We usually serve this mujadara with a simple salad or plain yogurt, but if I feel fancy, I would pair it with Baked Kibbeh or Chicken Shawarma. Check out these Mediterranean Eggplant Recipes for some vegan options.

Mujadara served on a big white platter with yogurt sauce and diced tomatoes on the side.

Lebanese Mujadara Recipe

A delicious vegan rice and lentil dish perfect for a meatless weeknight dinner.
4.89 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Course: dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle East
Diet: Halal
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 335kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown lentils soaked in boiling water
  • 4 Tablespoons oil
  • 2 yellow onion sliced
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ to 3 cups boiling water

Instructions

  • Rinse lentils, drain and place in a big bowl then cover with hot water. Let lentils soak for 30 minutes to one hour.
  • In a deep pot over medium-high heat, fry sliced onions in oil until golden brown, remove from pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels. (10 minutes)
  • In the same pot sauté the chopped onions until browned, add in rice and stir to coat rice with oil.
  • Drain lentils and add them in the pot with cumin and salt, stir to combine.
  • Add hot water, mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until cooked.
  • Serve mujadara topped with crispy onions.

Notes

  • Any type of rice will work in this recipe.
  • You can also use brown rice but adjust the water level accordingly.
  • Use any oil you have but olive oil is more traditional.
  • Some people like to add freshly ground black pepper or a dash of cinnamon too.
  • Start with 2 ½ cups of water and check the doneness of the mixture. For a softer mixture, up the water to 3 cups. 
To Store:
  • Place any leftover mujadara in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days. 
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 588mg | Potassium: 432mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AmirasPantry or tag #AmirasPantry!

Sign up and learn more about Mediterranean flavors

👩‍🏫 My Personal Experience

I had my first Mujadara when I was maybe 10 years old at a Lebanese friend's home, it was so good and the onion was caramelized to perfections.

At that time we had another friend with us from Palestine and I remember they were arguing is mujadara better with bulgur or rice? Also my Palestinian friend liked it more when the spices included a dash of cinnamon.

So you see every part, or even family, of the Levant area has its own recipe and liking. So here is my take on the mujadara recipe so feel free to add more or less spices as you prefer.

Would you like to save this post?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

More Middle Eastern

  • A large skillet of orzo with vegetables and a wooden spoon in it.
    Vegetarian Orzo Recipe
  • A close up look at a chicken shawarma rice fish.
    Chicken Shawarma Rice
  • A close up image of a mason jar with pickled carrots.
    Quick Pickled Carrots
  • A white bowl of beets and carrot salad.
    Beet and Carrot Salad
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly

About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heidi Kareem

    April 22, 2025 at 8:33 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe delivers and the flavors are so delicious.

    Reply
  2. Abigail

    July 23, 2023 at 12:10 am

    5 stars
    Brilliant! Another flavorful favorite dinner from your site. Everyone came back for seconds.

    Reply
  3. Jennifer

    March 12, 2022 at 4:55 pm

    5 stars
    This was so yummy!! My family is often wary when I try new vegetarian meals, but they loved this. My husband wants it to be on regular rotation. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Amira

      March 14, 2022 at 1:09 pm

      So glad your family liked it Jennifer. Thanks for the feedback

      Reply
  4. Anna Likousis

    February 06, 2022 at 1:19 am

    5 stars
    Lovely recipe

    Reply
  5. Laila Hosny

    February 04, 2022 at 9:15 am

    5 stars
    Hi Amira, this is amazing recipe. I like the way you browned the onions, it reminds me of my grandma and how we would gather just to taste these crunchy golden-brownish onions. Thank you for the recipe and detailed steps!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Amira Photo

Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
More About Me…

Search for a recipe:

Reader Favorites

  • A white plate with two biscuit pieces with sausage gravy on top.
    Turkey Sausage Gravy
  • A top view pf a white bowl of potato soup.
    Instant Pot Chicken and Potato Soup
  • A pan with no wine chicken francese pieces topped with lemon rinds with a spoon scooping the sauce.
    Chicken Francese Recipe; Without Wine
  • A piece of chocoflan on a white dessert plate with caramel dropping down its side.
    Chocolate flan cake
  • Kitchen tongs scooping some pasta with alfredo sauce from a skillet.
    Alfredo Sauce Without Cream
  • A close up picture of a chicken shawarma wrap placed on a awhite countertop with a lemon wedge on the side.
    Chicken Shawarma Recipe; with best marinade EVER

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for our latest recipes

Contact

  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2024 - Amira's Pantry

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required