The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
Profile Photo

Mujadara – Middle Eastern Lentils & Rice

5.00 Mitt(s) 2 Rating(s)2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5

Prep:

Cook:

Level: Easy

System:

12
x

Print Options

Page size Letter 3x5 4x6
Text Size Small Medium Large
Content Include description
Include prep time, etc.
Show image

Description

This dish is very popular in the Middle East – especially in Palestine and Lebanon. It is considered a ‘poor man’s dish’ because of the cheap ingredients. Among Arab-Christians, this dish is a staple during Lent when we fast from meat.

Ingredients

  • FOR THE MUJADRA:
  • 1 whole Medium Onion
  • 1 cup Lentils
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 4 cups Water, Divided Use
  • 1-½ cup Rice
  • _____
  • FOR THE CARAMELIZED ONIONS:
  • 4 whole Onions, Cut Into Rings About 1/4-inch Thick
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • _____
  • FOR THE TOMATO SALAD:
  • 4 whole Tomatoes
  • 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • Salt And Pepper, To Taste

Preparation

Dice onion and place in a pot (make sure it’s a pot that has a cover) with the lentils, cumin and 2 cups water. Place over medium high heat and bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are soft.

Once lentils are soft, add the rice to the pot. Add enough water to just cover rice and lentils and about 1/4″ more. Stir once and then don’t stir again. Bring back to boil, then reduce heat, cover pot and simmer on low until all water has evaporated. This takes about 10-15 minutes just depending on your heat source and pot. I usually check by using a fork to part the rice a little and look into the bottom of the pot to see if there’s any water left.

Once water has evaporated, turn off heat and leave the cover on – let it sit for 15 minutes (the longer the better) or until ready to serve.

Fluff with a fork before serving. Mujadara is traditionally served with Carmelized Onions, Tomato Salad and Plain Yogurt.

Carmelized Onions
4 onions cut into rings about 1/4″ thick
1 tablespoon olive oil

Put onions and olive oil in a thick bottomed skillet (I use a cast iron one) over high heat. Cover for first 5-10 minutes to sweat the onions – this makes them soft and makes the process faster. Once soft, uncover and let cook over medium/high heat stirring often until they are a dark golden brown.

Tomato Salad
3 medium tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper

Dice tomatoes and toss in a bowl with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

No Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment.

2 Reviews

You must be logged in to post a review.

Profile photo of Kelly

Kelly on 3.31.2020

Delicious!

Profile photo of Melinda

Melinda on 11.20.2016

This is delicious and is so comforting. I serve it as a main dish but it could easily be used as a side dish as well. The flavors are spot on. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

Related Recipes

Super Savory Black Beans
Profile Photo by Brittny Lyle in Main Courses
The secret to making these black beans so savory and rich...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 4 Level: Easy


Creamy Coconut Instant Pot Red Lentils
Profile Photo by Damn Delicious Vegan in Main Courses
Creamy, satisfying and easy instant pot coconut red lentils. Perfect, easy...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 8 Level: Easy


Spinach Dal
Profile Photo by Steph | Flavor From Scratch in Main Courses, Special Dietary Needs
Indian, spinach-based lentil stew, with aromatic spices.
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 6 Level: Easy


Chicken Chickpea Salad
Profile Photo by Karyl Henry in Main Courses
Chickpeas are hearty, healthy and filling. This Chicken Chickpea Salad combines...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 2 Level: Easy


Lentil Dahl with Roasted Garlic
Profile Photo by Sebrena - Blume Nutrition in Main Courses
Red lentil dahl with a spicy onion and cilantro topping! Get...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 4 Level: Easy