Mujadara Baked Rice and Lentils is straight up comfort food. Made richer with full-flavored spices and brought to your dinner table in a pretty casserole.
If you're looking for an inexpensive and easy recipe then this is the one. Mujadara is a classic recipe and is a staple in the Middle East. People have been making it for over 500 years.
Because this dish consists of a legume and grain it is a complete protein and also very high in protein per cup. It's just one of those perfect dishes.
Mujadara is not normally baked but it is so easy this way and it comes out perfect every time. About all you have to do is combine everything in a casserole and then it just takes care of itself in the oven.
Baked brown rice seems to come out so much more substantial and satisfying. It certainly has more nutrition than white rice.
I did pre-saute the onion before I added it to the mixture because I just like the extra sweetness that comes out of the onion that way.
Mujadara as a Side Dish
You can serve it as a main dish with other smaller sides such as Pure Delicious Cauliflower. It is actually fun to have only side dishes for dinner.
I'm not sure is mujadara is considered a side dish in Palestine but it sure is delicious. You could add a loaf of crusty bread too and definitely a salad. So good!
Now you have it. Lentils and rice made richer with full-flavored spices and brought to your dinner table in a pretty casserole.
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Mujadara Baked Rice and Lentils Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 3 cups vegetable broth - use low sodium to watch for your sodium intake
- 1 cup dried brown lentils
- ⅔ cup brown rice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a skillet heat oil to medium high and then turn it down to medium and saute the onion until it is translucent - about 10 minutes.
- Heat 3 cups of vegetable broth to a boil.
- Meanwhile, to an 8" x 10" casserole add rice, lentils, all the spices and sauted onion. It could be a 9" x 9" or close to its size also.
- Be careful and pour the broth over everything in the casserole dish.
- Stir until all is evenly dispersed. The rice and lentils will settle on the bottom.
- Cover with a fitted lid or cover tightly with foil. Leaving enough foil to go over the edges, liberally.
- Bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes.
- Check and see if the liquid has absorbed and the rice is tender. If not add another 10 minutes.
- It will still be very moist.
- Serve and sprinkle with fresh parsley - if you like.
Ginny McMeans
Wonderful Angela! I am so very glad and thanks so much for letting me know.
Veena Azmanov
I love how easy this is - I love lentils and rice combination. The flavors sound so incredible. Saving this for later.
Monica | Nourish & Fete
This looks very cozy and comforting, but healthy all at the same time - a wonderful combination!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
Ginny, your rice dish looks so yummy! I love the combination of rice with lentils!! Yum!! And it looks super delicious, not to mention comforting!!
Molly Kumar
That sounds like a great recipe and would be perfect for a weeknight dinner. We eat lentils almost everyday, so this is going to be a nice new addition.
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish
I'm all for Mujadara! This is an interesting version of the Lebanese classic.
Glenda
Has anyone tried this in the Instant Pot?
Mary
Apologies if I'm just missing it, but what size casserole dish do you use for this please? Hoping to make it for work lunches for the week! Thanks!
Ginny McMeans
No, my fault completely Mary, The casserole dish I used os 8" x 10" or close to it. So a 9" x 9" would be good too. The actual size is very forgiving. Thanks for the heads up and I added it to the recipe card.
Maggie
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but do use dry lentils or canned lentils?
Ginny McMeans
Not dumb at all Maggie. It is dried lentils.
Sarah
Are these nutrition details/serving amounts for a side dish or entree?
Ginny McMeans
A serving is about 1 1/4 cup each Sarah.
Deborah
This was really easy to make and was a really nice side dish.