Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner
Easy Mujadara Recipe: A comforting, better-than-takeout dinner ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly tender lentils and fluffy rice every time. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Feta Phyllo Rolls with Sweet Chili Honey Sauce and Easy Baked Cinnamon Banana Fritters with Honey Drizzle.
Why This Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Better than takeout
- Comforting and hearty
- Ready in 30 minutes
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.
- Green lentils
- Long grain rice
- Onions
- Vegetable broth
- Tomato paste
- Cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Optional: Chopped parsley
- Optional: Lemon wedges
- Optional: Yogurt
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Green lentils: Rinse and pick over lentils before cooking.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant Pot — Saves time and energy → See on Amazon
- Good quality vegetable broth — Enhances flavor → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner
- Sauté onions: Cook onions in olive oil until caramelized.
- Cook lentils: Add lentils, rice, and spices to the pot. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Simmer: Add vegetable broth and tomato paste. Simmer until lentils are tender.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner
- : Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heating.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the lentils. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- : Add more broth or water if the lentils aren't tender after 20 minutes.
- : For a vegetarian version, omit the yogurt topping.
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 for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
Freezing Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge 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.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Sautéing the onions brings out their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
- Best substitution: Brown rice can be used instead of long grain rice.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the lentils are still hard after 20 minutes, add more liquid and cook longer.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality olive oil — Enhances flavor and texture → Check price on Amazon
Easy Mujadara Lentils and Rice Recipe for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Green lentils
- Long grain rice
- Onions
- Vegetable broth
- Tomato paste
Seasonings
- Cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
Optional Toppings
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Yogurt
Instructions
- Sauté onions: Cook onions in olive oil until caramelized.
- Cook lentils: Add lentils, rice, and spices to the pot. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Simmer: Add vegetable broth and tomato paste. Simmer until lentils are tender.
Notes
- Chef tip: Sautéing the onions brings out their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.
- Best substitution: Brown rice can be used instead of long grain rice.
- Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the lentils are still hard after 20 minutes, add more liquid and cook longer.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge 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.
- Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- 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
Yes, mujadara can be made ahead and reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Lentils may turn out hard if they're not cooked long enough or if there's not enough liquid in the pot. Add more liquid and cook longer if needed.
Yes, mujadara can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, mujadara can be made in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
Reheat mujadara in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
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!
