Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner

Easy Mujadara Recipe is a comforting dinner ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly cooked lentils and rice every time. The crispy onions on top make this dish irresistible. Try it with my Crispy Baked Chickpea Patties for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Baked Chickpea Patties and Dark Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake.

What You'll Need for Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: Lemon wedges
• Optional: Crumbled feta cheese

How to Make Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add lentils, rice, and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and rice are tender.
5. Step 5: Fluff with a fork and serve with optional toppings.

Storing & Reheating Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: You can make the lentils and rice ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.

Freezing Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner

Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free rice.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the diced tomatoes with tomato sauce.
• Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead instructions.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
• Troubleshooting: If the lentils and rice are not tender after 30 minutes, add more water and cook for a few more minutes.

Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

30 mins

⏳

Total

45 mins

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Seasonings

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Add lentils, rice, and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and rice are tender.
5. Step 5: Fluff with a fork and serve with optional toppings.

Notes

• Chef tip: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free rice.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the diced tomatoes with tomato sauce.
• Make-ahead: See storage notes for make-ahead instructions.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
• Troubleshooting: If the lentils and rice are not tender after 30 minutes, add more water and cook for a few more minutes.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Make ahead: You can make the lentils and rice ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbs: 75g
• Fiber: 15g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sat. Fat: 1g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!