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–+ servings
a round plate filled with thick yellow porridge and browned Lebanese pita pieces
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5 from 7 votes

Mujadara Safra (Red Lentils and Rice)

Mujadara safra is a wholesome and comforting Lebanese dish made from red lentils, rice, and onions, all simmered together with warming spices until soft and creamy.
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Vegan
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 331kcal
Author: Janelle Hama

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Red lentils
  • ½ cup Medium grain rice
  • 1 large Red onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (or water for oil-free)
  • 2 teaspoons Salt or to taste
  • 4 cups Water
  • ⅛ teaspoon Ground cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon Lebanese 7 spice

Instructions

  • Rinse and soak the lentils and rice in hot water for 15–20 minutes, ensuring they are fully submerged.
    2 cups Red lentils, ½ cup Medium grain rice
    red lentils soaking in water in a glass bowl
  • In a large non-stick pot over high heat, add olive oil (or water) and sauté the onion until lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. This will take a few minutes.
    1 large Red onion, 2 tablespoons Olive oil
    slightly brown finely diced red onions in a black pan
  • Drain the lentils and rice, then add them to the pot with the spices and water. Stir well, cover, and bring to a gentle boil.
    Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring vigorously from time to time. Keep the lid slightly ajar if needed.
    Skim off any foam on top.
    4 cups Water, ⅛ teaspoon Ground cumin, ⅛ teaspoon Lebanese 7 spice
    red lentils simmering with bubbles in a black pan
  • Add the salt and stir vigorously again. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and serve warm or at room temperature.
    The porridge will thicken as it cools, making it easier to scoop. Serve with warm or toasted pita bread and a side of salad.
    2 teaspoons Salt

Video

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 788mg | Potassium: 616mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 5mg