Mujadara Safra (Red Lentils and Rice)

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

5 from 6 votes

Mujadara Safra (Red Lentils and Rice)

Wholesome and hearty red lentils and rice, this dish is known as mujadara safra. This is a traditional flavorsome vegan Lebanese dish. Made from simmered red lentils, rice and onions with a hint of spices. Naturally gluten free.

Cook Time30

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Vegan

Servings: people

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Janelle Hama

Equipment

1 pot

Ingredients

2 cups Red lentils
½ cup Medium grain rice
1 large Red onion finely diced
2 tablespoons Water for frying onion
2 teaspoons Salt or to taste
4 cups Water
⅛ teaspoon Ground cumin
⅛ teaspoon Lebanese 7 spice
4 cups Hot water for soaking

Instructions

Rinse and then soak the red lentils and rice in hot water (they should be fully submerged) for 15-20 minutes. (chop up the onions whilst waiting)
2 cups Red lentils, ½ cup Medium grain rice, 4 cups Hot water
In a large non-stick pot, over high heat, add 2 tablespoons of water and sauté thinly sliced red onions until they are lightly golden. You will need to consistently be stirring to ensure they do not stick. This will take a few minutes.
1 large Red onion, 2 tablespoons Water
Drain the lentils and rice and then add them to the pot, along with the spices, and the water. Stir through ensuring everything is evenly mixed. Cover with the lid and bring to a soft boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stir vigorously (see note 1). You may need to leave the lid partially open. Skim the top of the water if there is any foam.
4 cups Water, ⅛ teaspoon Ground cumin, ⅛ teaspoon Lebanese 7 spice
Stir through the salt and give the mixture another vigorous stir. Simmer for another 10 minutes, with occasional vigorous stirring. Turn off the heat and serve warm or at room temperature. As the porridge cools, with will thicken making it easier to scoop. (See note 2 for serving suggestion)
2 teaspoons Salt

Video

Notes

Note 1 - vigorous stirring is needed to break up the lentils and rice, there should be no intact grains in the finished porridge.

Note 2 - Mujadara safra is almost always served with toasted Lebanese bread (you can use any type of pita bread) the easiest method to make these, is to cut up the pita into pieces, place them onto a baking sheet/tray and bake at 180C (350F) for about 8-9 minutes or until they are golden.

It is also always served with fresh vegetables (such as onion, radish, arugula (rocket) and tomato, either chopped or in a salad. Try this popular Arabic salad.

Nutrition