Authentic Middle Eastern Mujadara Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup green lentils
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 3 large onions, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and add them to a pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  2. While the lentils are cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized and browned. This should take about 15 minutes. Remove half of the onions and set them aside for garnishing.
  4. Add the cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon to the skillet with the remaining onions. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add the cooked lentils and rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
  6. Add the 4 cups of water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Before serving, garnish the Mujadara with the reserved caramelized onions.

Tools for making

  • Pot - Needed to cook the lentils
  • Skillet - Used to caramelize the onions and cook the Mujadara
  • Wooden spoon - To stir the ingredients while cooking
  • Measuring cups - Required to measure the lentils, rice, and water accurately
  • Knife - Needed to slice the onions
  • Cutting board - To safely chop the onions

Recipe variations

  • Add diced bell peppers or carrots for added color and flavor.
  • Top with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for a creamy twist.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving for a tangy kick.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for added freshness.
  • For a vegan version, replace the butter or ghee with plant-based oil or margarine.
  • Experiment with different spices such as paprika, coriander, or ground ginger to customize the flavor.
  • Add cooked chicken, beef, or lamb for a meaty variation.
  • Replace the basmati rice with quinoa or another grain of your choice.

Recipe overview

Mujadara is a classic Middle Eastern dish that's packed with flavor and nutrition. This simple yet satisfying dish combines green lentils and basmati rice, seasoned with cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. The real star of the show, however, is the caramelized onions, which add a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor. This recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their menu. In this easy-to-follow recipe, you will be guided through each step of the process, from preparing the ingredients to the final garnishing. The key to a great Mujadara is patience - allow the onions to caramelize slowly and the flavors to meld together as the dish simmers. The result is a comforting, hearty dish that's versatile enough to serve as a main or a side. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use brown lentils instead of green lentils? - Yes, you can substitute brown lentils for green lentils in this recipe. However, the cooking time may vary, so make sure to adjust accordingly.
  2. Can I use any type of rice? - While basmati rice is traditionally used in Mujadara, you can use other types of rice such as jasmine rice or long-grain rice as well.
  3. Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil? - Yes, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
  4. Do I have to caramelize the onions? - Caramelizing the onions adds a rich flavor to the dish, but if you prefer, you can sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent instead.
  5. Can I adjust the spices to my taste? - Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper according to your personal preference.
  6. Can I make this recipe in advance? - Mujadara tastes great when made in advance as the flavors have time to meld. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  7. Is Mujadara vegan/vegetarian? - Yes, Mujadara is a vegan and vegetarian dish as it does not contain any animal products.
  8. What can I serve with Mujadara? - Mujadara is often served with a side of yogurt, a salad, or pickles. It can also be enjoyed as a main dish accompanied by roasted vegetables or a side of pita bread.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Mujadara hails from the Middle East, tracing its roots back to the medieval era. The simplicity of its ingredients--lentils, rice and onions--speaks to its peasant origins and its integral role in the sustenance of those who could not afford meat. Mujadara, in fact, is mentioned in the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament, making it a dish with biblical ties. The story goes that Daniel, when presented with a choice of royal foods or simple vegetarian dishes, chose the latter, the humble Mujadara, and found himself healthier and stronger. Today, this ancient dish is enjoyed not only for its rich history and simplicity, but also for its delightful combination of flavors. It truly captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.