Skip to main content

Mujadara

This classic Mujadara is a staple vegetarian dish that celebrates the humble onion. By slowly cooking the onions until they reach a deep, savoury sweetness, you create a complex flavour profile that perfectly complements the earthy brown lentils and fluffy long-grain rice. It is a wonderful example of how a few pantry staples can be transformed into a comforting, aromatic meal that is both filling and nutritious.

Ideal for a healthy midweek dinner or as part of a larger Middle Eastern-inspired feast, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by omitting the dairy topping. Serve it warm with a generous dollop of thick Greek yoghurt or soured cream to balance the richness of the caramelised onions. It even tastes delicious the next day, making it a brilliant option for a satisfying packed lunch.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Mujadara

  • 80ml olive oil

  • 4 or 5 large onions, halved and thinly sliced (use the slicing blade on your food processor, or a mandoline if you have one)

  • Salt and pepper

  • N/A freshly ground black pepper

  • 350ml brown or green lentils, sorted and rinsed

  • 230g long-grain white rice

  • Plain yoghurt or soured cream, optional, for serving

  1. Heat the olive oil in a very large nonstick skillet over low heat (if you only have smaller skillets, divide the oil and onions between two). When the oil shimmers, add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  2. Meanwhile, bring 1075ml water to a boil in a large saucepan or small stockpot and add the lentils. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, then add the rice and half the cooked onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, covered, over very low heat until the lentils and rice are tender, about 20 minutes more. You may need to add more water toward the end; check after 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

  3. While the rice and lentils are cooking, cook the onions remaining in the skillet over low heat, stirring often, until dark brown and nearly crisp, 15 to 20 minutes.

  4. Serve hot or at room temperature, with browned onions sprinkled on top. Add a dollop of the yoghurt or soured cream if desired.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.