Looking for delicious lentils and rice dish that is packed full of flavor? You won't want to miss out on this!
Judara is our Americanized take on the delicious middle eastern lentil and rice dish which is typically called Mujadara.
This dish is very hearty with the lentil and rice combination. The cucumber tomato salad that dresses the lentils elevates the dish. It's one of my favorite flavor combinations!
From Mujadara to Judara - the Origin of the Name
This dish has a little story behind it. My husband and I first ate a dish similar to this about 10 years ago. He was describing it to a coworker and the coworker shared their recipe.
In translation, we messed up the name. 🙂 While we do know the correct name, we have kept our own name of the dish! It makes us smile each time. (it's all about keeping that magic, right?!)
And to this day, this is still what we call it and just one of the reasons why we love making it. It's a silly story, but it's our story.
What I love about this lentils and rice dish is that it's so versatile. This dish is truly perfect for any time of the year! In the summer you can use your garden herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers. In the winter it provides a warm hearty meal!
And it doesn't take long to make, either. It's definitely one of those meals that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds and maybe even fourths...
Lentils and Rice - Variation with Carmelized Onions
Another way to top your lentils and rice dish is with caramelized onions instead of cucumbers and tomatoes. This more closely resembles the Lebanese recipe.
Lentils and rice are supposed to be a really basic dish that doesn't have many steps. The Lemon Bowl has the complete recipe.
Steps for making Mujadara (lentils and rice)
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Prepare the lentils and rice, per the directions on the package. Alternatively, you can cook both at the same time in a rice cooker. (affiliate ad link)
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In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Saute the diced onions until warm.
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When rice and lentils are done cooking stir with sauteed onions.
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In a small bowl combine tomatoes, cucumber, herbs, and lemon juice.
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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 lentils and rice recipe?
You can. It will obviously change up the flavor some, but it will still be delicious. You can add some heat to it as well by adding in cayenne pepper or even topping with freshly chopped jalapenos.
Do you use brown rice or white rice for this recipe?
You can use whatever type you want. Brown is the healthier version, but the white rice is going to offer a stickier texture...why not try it with both and see what you like best?
What else can you serve with this lentils 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 compliment:
- Cheesy Olive Bread
- Kale Quinoa Salad
- Worlds Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
Don't forget to leave a bit of room for dessert as well! This 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 might have renamed it, but the flavor is just as incredible. The entire dish only takes a short time. By the time the rice and lentils are fully cooked, dinner is ready!
Judara - Our take on middle eastern lentils and rice
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the lentils and rice, per the directions on the package. 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!
Nutrition
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!
Let's talk! Leave me a comment telling me if you've ever had a dish that you renamed?
Oh that looks delish..nice recipe.
Thank you! It is light and fresh, perfect for the summer heat!
Loving the vibrant colors and flavors here. I'm sure that salad on top really perks up the lentils.
Yes, beautiful colors and beautiful taste!
One of my favourite ever dishes. Love the healthy twist you've given it here.
Thank you Georgina! 🙂
I was brought up in the Middle East so grew up eating Mujadara - one of my faves. I like the Lebanese version with Bulgur (recipe on my blog) I usually serve it with a light cabbage salad. This version looks simply wonderful.
Oh that sounds delightful! I will check out your blog!
That's very interesting, I'm half Jordanian and we cook Mujadarra at home all the time, I actually shared my version on my blog. We top the Mujaddara with caramelised onions, and eat it with plain yoghurt and a simple tomato cucumber salad on the side. Such a wonderful dish!
Love the idea of caramelized onions on top! YUM. I will check out your site!
This looks so good! When I was still living in Columbus one of my favorite dishes from Aladdin's Eatery was their Mujadara Plate, I really miss that restaurant!. I will definitely be giving this recipe a try.
LOVE Aladdins!