clintonbee
Novice Foodie
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.