• 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 Recipe Roundups

Different Types of Mujadara

Published: Mar 2, 2023 by Janelle Hama *This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure

52 shares

Explore the world of the different types of Mujadara. All variations have one common denominator, they must include lentils which are coupled with either rice or bulgur. 

a collage of 4 different types of mujadara lentil dishes
There's more than one type of mujadara

First let’s clear things up...

What is the difference between mujadara and mdardara?

Both Middle Eastern dishes mujadara and mdardara use the same ingredients (lentils, onion, rice or wheat (bulgur)), but different ratios and the method of cooking is different. 

Mujadara is a moist pudding-like consistency as the lentils are generally the predominant ingredient and only a small quantity of rice is cooked together. 

Whereas mdardara is a pilaf. The lentils are par-cooked prior to adding the rice, which are similar in ratio, and the grains remain intact and fluffy.

It is important to note, that the names of these are used interchangeably depending on the region/country. 

This can be a tad confusing.

For example, my Lebanese family (from the north), refers to the pilaf version as mujadara rather than mdardara.

a bowl of yellow mujadara porridge

Where Did Mujadara Originate?

Mujadara is believed to have first been documented in the oldest surviving Arabic cookbook “Kitab al-Ṭabīkh” which translates to “Book of Dishes” in English.

It was written by  Abū Muḥammad al-Muẓaffar ibn Naṣr Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq in the 10th century. A writer from ancient Baghdad.

Variations

Whilst a true mujadara recipe requires no additional flavorings, as the flavor comes from the use of onions, lentils, and oil which are enhanced with salt.

Some variations may call for the use of spices.

cooked lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions and chopped radish in a white plate

Types of Mujadara Recipes

Mujadara Lebanese lentil and rice

Lebanese Mdardara

Lebanese mdardara is a classic. This variation is the pilaf like mujadara, the rice and lentils are fluffy and are topped with the most delicious caramelized onion.

Mdardara

lentil porridge in bowl

Mujadara Makhbousa

For a creamier version of mujadara, give mujadara makhbousa a try. This variation uses brown lentils, which are cooked with rice and onion until a creamy porridge-like consistency is formed. Such a comforting dish that's perfect for cold days.

Mujadara Makhbousa

a round plate filled with thick yellow porridge and browned Lebanese pita pieces

Mujadara Safra (Red Lentils and Rice)

Mujadara safra swaps out the brown lentils for red lentils. The result is a yellow porridge-like dish that's bursting with flavor and perfect for a hearty meal.

Mujadara Safra

cooked lentils and bulgur called mujadara hamra in a white bowl with a salad

Mujadara Hamra (Lentils and Bulgur)

If you're looking for a heartier version try mujadara hamra. This variation swaps out the rice for bulgur, a type of cracked wheat that adds a chewy texture to the dish. The lentils are simmered and then mixed with the bulgur and caramelized onions.

Mujadara Hamra

You might be interested to know what to serve with mujadara, mostly paired with fresh or pickled vegetables, this listicle post helps to illustrate some of my Lebanese family's favorite sides.

What's your favorite type of mujadara? Comment below.

More vegan recipe roundups

  • a collage of three different types of dressings
    Vegan Salad Dressings
  • a collage of 4 different vegan Lebanese mezze foods
    Top 16 Vegan Lebanese Mezze Recipes
  • Aquafaba used to make vegan meringue
    Recipes Using Aquafaba
  • hummus in a bowl, on a hummus platter, in a burger, beet hummus
    How To Eat Hummus
52 shares

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




  1. Misha

    March 04, 2023 at 6:30 pm

    I had no idea. I am an Arab, but I was born outside of the Middle East. I’ve always had mujadara as a pilaf… I am looking forward to trying the safra version.

    I stumbled upon your site as I have recently turned to a vegan and oil free diet, I can no longer tolerate a lot of foods and need to clean up my diet.

    Thanks for your site.

    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

  • a bowl of chopped mushroom salad
    Easy Raw Mushroom Salad With Balsamic Vinegar
  • 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