Our take on Middle Eastern lentils and rice
Looking for a delicious lentil and rice dish packed with flavor? You won't want to miss out on this!
This Judara recipe is our Americanized take on the delicious Middle Eastern lentil-and-rice dish, traditionally Mujadara.
The dish is both filling and satisfying, thanks to the hearty combination of lentils and fluffy rice. The vibrant cucumber-tomato salad served alongside adds a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the lentils. Together, these elements create a delightful harmony that has become one of my all-time favorite flavor combinations!
What I love about this lentil and rice dish is its versatility. It's perfect for any time of the year! In the summer, you can incorporate garden herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers. In the winter, it offers a warm, hearty meal!
Preparing this meal is quick and effortless, making it a perfect choice for busy days. Once you savor the first bite, you'll find yourself craving more, likely returning for seconds, thirds, and possibly even fourths.
Lentils and Rice - Variation with Carmelized Onions
Another way to enhance your lentils-and-rice dish is to use caramelized onions instead of cucumbers and tomatoes, which more closely resemble the traditional Lebanese recipe.
Lentils and rice are supposed to be a really basic dish with few steps. The Lemon Bowl has the complete recipe.
Steps for making Judara (lentils and rice)
- Prepare the lentils and rice per the package directions. Alternatively, you can cook both at the same time in a rice cooker.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the diced onions until they become soft.
- When rice and lentils are done cooking, stir them with the sautéed onions.
- In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, herbs, and lemon juice.
- When plating this dish, put the lentil-rice mixture on the bottom and top with the tomato salad.
Can you add more spices to this lentil and rice recipe?
You absolutely can do that. It will change the flavor, but trust me, it will still be delicious. For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper or top it with freshly chopped jalapeños.
Do you use brown rice or white rice for this recipe?
You should choose any type of rice that you enjoy. Brown rice is undoubtedly the healthier option, while white rice delivers a delightful stickiness. I recommend trying both to discover which one you like best!
What else can you serve with this lentil and rice meal?
While it makes an already complete meal pretty much on its own, you can always add in some of these great dishes to complement:
Don't forget to leave a bit of room for dessert as well! These Soft and Chewy Air Fryer Cookies (Gluten Free) recipe just might be your new favorite treat!
How to Make Middle Eastern Lentils and Rice
Here’s our recipe! We’re using the Americanized name of Judara, and trust me, the flavor is absolutely incredible. This dish is quick to prepare, so by the time the rice and lentils are fully cooked, dinner will be ready. If you enjoy yogurt and don’t have a dairy restriction, don’t hesitate to add a generous dollop of yogurt to your bowl before topping it with cucumber and tomatoes. Enjoy!
Judara - Our take on middle eastern lentils and rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ c lentils
- ½ c rice
- 2 medium onions diced
- 1 T Olive Oil
- 2 c tomatoes diced
- 1 ½ c cucumber diced
- 4 T fresh mint leaves diced
- 4 T parsley diced
- juice of one lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the lentils and rice per the package directions. Alternatively, you can cook both at the same time in a rice cooker.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Saute the diced onions until warm.
- When rice and lentils are done cooking stir with sauteed onions.
- In a small bowl combine tomatoes, cucumber, herbs and lemon juice.
- When plating this dish, put the lentil rice mixture on the bottom and top with the tomato salad.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- If you don't have a dairy restriction, add a dollop before you add the tomato salad.
Nutrition
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More Allergy-Friendly Recipes
Looking for other allergy-friendly recipes? All of our recipes are nut-free and gluten-free. We also have vegan recipes, too!
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