Middle Eastern Mujaddara Recipe

[clintonbee]

Mujaddara is a flavorful and nutritious Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. It’s simple yet satisfying, making it a staple in many households. I recently prepared this dish, and the combination of earthy lentils, aromatic rice, and sweet caramelized onions was simply irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:​

• For the Mujaddara:
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Yogurt or tahini (for serving, optional)

Instructions:​

1. Cook the Lentils: In a medium pot, add the rinsed lentils and 4 cups of water (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove half of the onions for garnish.
3. Combine Lentils and Rice: To the skillet with the remaining onions, add the cooked lentils, rice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and ground coriander (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Add Water: Pour in 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Fluff the Mujaddara: After the cooking time, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the Mujaddara gently with a fork.
6. Serve: Transfer the Mujaddara to a serving platter and top with the reserved caramelized onions. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with yogurt or tahini on the side, if desired.

Mujaddara is a hearty and wholesome dish that’s perfect as a main or side dish. The combination of lentils and rice makes it a complete meal, and the caramelized onions add a wonderful sweetness. Enjoy this comforting dish!

 

[MashaBear]

Yum, I love Mujaddara! Lentils and rice together are such a comforting combo. This recipe looks delicious and super easy to make! Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing!