• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Plant Based Folk
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Lebanese
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Lebanese
  • About
  • Subscribe

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Lebanese
  • About
  • Subscribe

×
Home » Vegan Lebanese Recipes

Lentil Porridge

Published: Nov 4, 2024 · Modified: Nov 5, 2024 by Janelle Hama *This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure

104 shares
Jump to Recipe

Lentil porridge is a savory and wholesome dish, offering a warming bowl of goodness made with lentils and rice.

lentil porridge in bowl
It's thick, filling and comforting, a lentil porridge that you'll love

You might be used to thinking of porridge as a sweet breakfast meal, but there are several types of porridges in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diets.

These porridges feature a mix of sweet and savory ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, and meats, typically combined with grains such as rice, wheat, and pearl barley.

My siblings and I love this savory lentil porridge.

We grew up eating meals like this, which is a traditional vegan Lebanese dish called mujadara makhbousa or mujadara msafaya. It's a cost-effective meal that can satisfy a large family (I am one of a few kids).

There are different types of mujadara, this particular version excludes caramelized onion and is blended. Other variations include:

  • Mujadara, which combines lentils and rice pilaf
  • Mujadarah hamra, made with bulgur and lentils
  • Mujadara safra, which consists of red lentils and rice
  • Get a better understanding of mujadara vs moudardara

The literal translation of the word makhbousa is mush, everything mixed together in a nonsensical manner. This is why this recipe is fabulous, only one pot is needed and everything is thrown in together.

Mujadara Makhbousa and Roz

Pair This With

This lentil porridge is served warm, and we typically enjoy it with stuffed kibbeh balls, which I haven't shared yet, stay tuned. Or, Lebanese kibbeh bil sanieh recipe.

We love dipping our kibbeh into the porridge, often accompanied by a side salad like tabboule, fresh radish leaves salad, or cut-up vegetables such as radishes, fresh white onions, and cucumbers.

Here are more ideas for what to eat with mujadara.

Lentil porridge

Key Ingredients

The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.

To make any type of authentic mujadara, only a handful of simple ingredients are needed.

This savory lentil porridge is prepared using brown or green lentils. I prefer to use dry lentils, which I first sort, rinse, and soak for at least 30 minutes. To achieve a thick consistency, white rice is added; either short or medium grain will work.

Caramelized brown onions are essential for the success of this recipe. They should be cooked in oil until they turn golden brown to enhance the flavor.

For the vegetable stock, I recommend using the brand Massel , as it is plant-based.

To garnish the dish, you can use either chopped fresh parsley or mint leaves, though this step is optional and so is squeezing fresh lemon juice on top.

lentil porridge being spooned in a bowl

Janelle's Tips

This recipe traditionally doesn't include added spices, as it is already packed with flavor. I know that may be hard to believe given the minimal ingredients, but it's true! However, if you like, you can incorporate a bit of cumin and Lebanese 7 spices for extra flavor.

While cooking, be sure to monitor the water levels, as you may need to add more water.

Storage

Store the lentil porridge in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

When reheating, treat it like any other soup or porridge. Keep in mind that the porridge will thicken significantly as it cools, so I recommend adding a few spoonfuls of water before reheating to achieve the desired consistency.

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

Recipe

lentil porridge in bowl

Lentil Porridge

Lentil porridge is a savory and wholesome dish, offering a warming bowl of goodness made with lentils and rice.
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Saved Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Janelle Hama

Ingredients

  • 1 large Brown onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1½ cups Brown Lentils dry variety
  • 2 cups Vegetable Stock
  • 5 cups Water
  • ½ cup White Rice short or medium grain
  • ¾ teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1 medium Lemon cut into wedges, optional
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley finely chopped (heaped)
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Sort the dry lentils getting rid of any unwanted pieces, then rinse and soak in double the amount of water for at least 30 minutes.
  • In a large pot, heat up olive oil on high heat, add onion and sweat until golden.
    golden onion
  • Drain the soaking lentils and then add them to the pot along with the vegetable stock and water and bring to the boil, turn heat to medium and simmer until lentils are par boiled, about 20 minutes.
    lentils in water
  • Add rice and cook until everything is tender, approximately 30 minutes.
    rice and lentils in water
  • Once all cooked, use an immersion blender to blend contents until smooth. Adjust salt if required. Serve warm topped with parsley and a lemon wedge to squeeze over the lentil porridge.
    Immersion blender in lentil porridge

Video


Nutrition

Serving: 1.75cups | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 926mg | Potassium: 812mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 369IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 6mg

N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.


Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

If you enjoyed this recipe, consider supporting my work for the cost of a cup of coffee.

More Vegan Lebanese Recipes

  • Lebanese rice pudding riz bi haleeb with pistachio
    Lebanese Rice Pudding
  • a plate of mashed potato and bulgur with sliced red chillies
    Potato Kibbeh
  • Lebanese potato salad salata batata in a bowl up close
    Lebanese Potato Salad
  • a white plate filled with sliced tomato onion salad with specks of green herbs
    Sumac Tomato Salad
104 shares

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 15 votes (7 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Leeanne

    August 07, 2022 at 5:25 pm

    5 stars
    Loved that this was gluten free, and the step by step photos were great too.

    Reply
  2. Megan

    August 04, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    5 stars
    Such a great recipe. It is so hearty and simple. The weather is rainy and miserable here at the moment and this just makes feel all warm inside. Thanks Janelle for tasty new favourite recipe.

    Reply
  3. Andrea

    August 04, 2022 at 12:08 pm

    this lentil dish turned out sooo good! the flavor was amazing and it was perfect for a light yet filling meal!

    Reply
  4. Kate

    July 26, 2022 at 11:25 pm

    I'd like to use brown jasmine rice. Do you think I should add it at the same time as I add the lentils, or do you think I should parboil it and then proceed with your directions?

    Thank you! I love your recipe for okra stew! So glad I found this site and so is my Beiruti husband!

    Reply
    • Janelle Hama

      July 27, 2022 at 8:06 am

      Hi Kate,

      I've never tried it with brown rice, it would be delish I bet!

      I think either way should work, as you are blending the porridge, as long as the rice is cooked through, it will be fine.

      Thank you for your kind words, I love bamia too - I am overjoyed you guys enjoy the recipes!!!

      J

      Reply
  5. Nancy

    April 20, 2022 at 6:18 am

    5 stars
    Like a hug in a bowl. Love the spices and flavour combo

    Reply
  6. Tina

    February 14, 2022 at 2:20 pm

    5 stars
    I have never heard of lentil porridge, but this recipe is incredible!! Love trying out new foods So cozy.

    Reply
  7. Kerrieanne

    February 08, 2022 at 10:07 pm

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe. It was surprisingly easy to make. I made a double batch, and I'm glad I did!

    Reply
  8. Kay

    January 25, 2022 at 12:55 am

    5 stars
    This lentil porridge was so delicious! I loved how easy it was to make and it was so hearty and filling!

    Reply
  9. Gene

    January 10, 2022 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    Oh, I need to make this lentil porridge for my family all the time, this was delicious and so hearty! Perfect for Fall!

    Reply
  10. Fay

    November 13, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    5 stars
    This is thick and delicious. Very easy to make. I made it and there was enough for a few days. Put it in fridge and had it again.
    Do you think freezer will work?

    Reply
    • plantbasedfolk

      November 14, 2020 at 8:29 am

      How wonderful!
      I am not sure about freezer options for this recipe as we normally eat ours within a few days.

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

a female brunette throwing a lemon

Hello, I'm Janelle!

A culinary enthusiast with a keen interest in creating delicious vegan Lebanese recipes.

Let's cook together!

More about me →

Recipes Not to Miss

  • Kousa Mahshi - Stuffe Zucchini Recipe
    Kousa Mahshi (Lebanese Stuffed Zucchini)
  • a red casserole pot with okra stew
    Bamia (Okra Stew Without Meat)
  • fingers holding a brown chocolate balls
    Chocolate Bliss Balls Without Dates
  • a stack of vegan corn fritters
    Easy 4-Ingredient Corn Fritters (Vegan)

Free e Cookbook

I'm sharing 5 top recipes from my family's cookbook, get it delivered to your inbox. Sign up →

an ipad showing a cookbook cover

As Featured On

various logos where Plant Based Folk has been featured

Footer

^ back to top

About

Accessibility Policy
Blog
Cookies Policy
Disclosure
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy (GDPR)
Terms of Use

Newsletter + Links

Sign Up! for emails and updates
Web stories
Vegan Lebanese Recipes
Shop Kitchen Essentials

Contact

Contact
Work with me
Social media
Advertise

Copyright © 2025 Plant Based Folk

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.