This simple one-pot mujadara can be done in 45 minutes or less and is packed with protein and fiber! Mujadara is a traditional Mediterranean grain and lentil dish served across many Middle-Eastern countries with slight variations. The Syrian way often uses bulgur instead of rice, making it healthier as it has much fewer calories than rice with twice the fiber and almost 4 times the folate, which plays a vital role in DNA synthesis!
Watch me show you how to make this delicious one-pot Mujadara in this video!
The bulgur also results in a softer, chewier texture than rice, and I personally find it to be much more filling, making this the perfect complete meal. Mujadara is always topped with crispy fried onions, which add a delicious sweetness and crunch to every bite.
When I was younger, this vegetarian dish was my favorite Arabic recipe, and I would always request for my mom to make me "lentils and rice!" Although seemingly simple, there is something so satisfying about the way the flavor and texture of lentils and grain meld in this dish. I would also always sneak some crispy fried onions from the plate when my mom was not looking as she prepared the dish; they are addicting!
Mujadara is typically served alongside cool yogurt, often cucumber mint yogurt. Upon discovering a vegan alternative, coconut yogurt, at my local Sprouts, I knew I had to try it in this dish, and it worked wonderfully! It is slightly sweeter than traditional yogurt, but with some salt and lemon juice, the taste is perfect.
Looking to try another wholesome, vegan Middle Eastern recipe? My cauliflower freekeh with roasted chickpeas is another satisfying plant-based recipe that highlights the earthy flavors and textures of ancient grains.
I hope you enjoy this classic Middle Eastern dish as much as I do! Let me know in the comments below if you try it, and I would love to see your recreations on Instagram @zenandzaatar!
Recipe
One-Pot Mujadara (Syrian Bulgur and Lentils) with Cucumber Mint Yogurt (Vegan)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups green or brown lentils
- 1 ⅓ cups bulgur wheat
- 2 yellow onions chopped into thin strands or half rings
- 3 tablespoon vegetable oil*
- 2 tablespoon olive oil divided*
- 1 teaspoon salt
- pinch of cumin optional
- 6 ⅔ cups water
- Chopped parsley to garnish (optional)
Cucumber Mint Yogurt
- 2 cups coconut yogurt can use soy or almond milk yogurt, but may not need to add lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- 2 Persian cucumbers finely diced
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Wash and drain lentils and bulgur thoroughly. Add lentils to a pot with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 25-35 minutes. 15 minutes into cooking time, add bulgur, salt, cumin if you like, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.* At 25 mins, check if the lentils are tender.
- Meanwhile, prepare crispy onions. After chopping onions, place in a saucepan with vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Fry until browned and crispy, 10-15 minutes. Watch closely to make sure they don't burn. Remove onions from oil and dry on a paper towel-lined plate.** Add half of the fried onions to the lentil and bulgur mixture, stirring to infuse flavors and combine.
- Prepare yogurt by mixing coconut yogurt, lemon juice, salt, garlic, mint, and water, until smooth. Fold in diced cucumber.
- Top the hot mujadara with the rest of the crispy onions and serve with a side of cool cucumber mint yogurt; enjoy!
yasmine says
Do you add any spices? I plan on making it without yogurt for now.
Zena | Zena 'n Zaatar says
Just the salt and olive oil as noted in the recipe! You can also add black pepper and some cumin to taste. The caramelized onions add a lot of flavor. Enjoy! <3
Natasha says
Thank you! This was delicious. Made it for lunch. Overcooked it slightly, but the taste was amazing. I used Arabic Masala instead of cumin. Thanks again.
Zena | Zen and Zaatar says
So glad you loved it!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Kev says
I just made this for our dinner tonight but I wondered is that fresh parsley you used to garnish it or coriander?
Natalie says
what is the herb you garnish the bulgur with? cilantro? don't see it listed anywhere.
Lauren says
This Mjudra was just delicious . Made it this evening. Great idea thinning out the yogurt and I especially appreciate your Vegan middleastern dishes.
Zena | Zen and Zaatar says
So glad you loved it!! 🙂
Natasha says
Thank you! This was delicious. Made it for lunch. Overcooked it slightly, but the taste was amazing. I used Arabic Masala instead of cumin. Thanks again.
Beth says
Hi I made this delicious recipe. Thank you so much.
Robin says
Hi Zena
Could this be made with quinoa instead of bulgur? How much would you use to replace the bulgur?
I am gluten intolerant, but would like to try this beautiful recipe.
Thanks!
Zena | Zen and Zaatar says
I think the replacement that would work best is rice instead of bulgur 🙂
rebecca says
Randomly made this after searching for recipes with bulgur and it's so delicious! I feel like it made a lot more than 4 servings, but I'm not complaining. Plus I'm guessing it will keep well other than the yogurt.
Zena | Zen and Zaatar says
So glad you loved it!
Emily says
Am I missing something? It doesn't say anywhere how much water to cook the lentils+bulgur in...?
Zena | Zen and Zaatar says
Hello, the quantity is in the ingredients list - 6 2/3 cups water 🙂 I hope you try it and love it!