Authentic Middle Eastern Mujaddara Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of brown lentils
  • 1 cup of long grain white rice
  • 2 large onions
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

Steps and instructions

  1. First, thoroughly rinse the lentils and rice under cold water.
  2. Place the lentils in a large saucepan along with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  3. While the lentils are cooking, thinly slice the onions. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and brown. This should take about 10 minutes.
  4. Once the lentils have been simmering for 20 minutes, add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, along with the salt, cumin, allspice, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  5. Cover the saucepan and continue to simmer the mixture on low heat for about 20 more minutes, or until the rice and lentils are both tender. If the mixture becomes too dry before the rice and lentils are cooked, add a bit more water.
  6. When the rice and lentils are ready, stir in half of the caramelized onions. Save the other half for serving.
  7. Allow the mixture to sit, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together.
  8. To serve, top each portion with some of the remaining caramelized onions.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - A large saucepan will be needed to cook the lentils and rice.
  • Frying Pan - A frying pan is required to caramelize the onions.
  • Stirring Spoon - A stirring spoon or spatula will be needed to stir the lentils, rice, and onions while cooking.
  • Knife - A sharp knife will be necessary for slicing the onions.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board will provide a surface for chopping the onions.
  • Measuring Cup - A measuring cup is needed to accurately measure the lentils, rice, and water.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are required to measure the spices accurately.
  • Lid - A lid for the saucepan will help to cover and simmer the lentils and rice.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of lentils such as green or black lentils instead of brown lentils.
  • Replace white rice with basmati rice or a different grain like bulgur or quinoa.
  • Add spices like cinnamon, turmeric, or paprika to enhance the flavor.
  • Include some diced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or tomatoes for added texture and taste.
  • For a vegan or vegetarian option, skip the caramelized onions and instead use roasted garlic for a flavorful twist.
  • To make it a complete meal, serve mujaddara with a side of yogurt or a salad.
  • Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint to garnish before serving.
  • For a heartier version, add cooked chicken, beef, or lamb as a protein option.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as toasted pine nuts, fried shallots, or crispy fried onions.
  • Try cooking the mujaddara in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a hands-off approach.

Recipe overview

Mujaddara is a comforting, wholesome dish that hails from the Middle East. Its simplicity is deceptive, as the end result is a flavorful combination of satisfying ingredients. At its core, Mujaddara is comprised of lentils and rice, seasoned with warm spices and topped with caramelized onions, which add a rich, sweet contrast. This dish is typically enjoyed as a main course and is perfectly suited for those seeking a hearty vegetarian or vegan meal. The preparation process is straightforward and accessible, making Mujaddara an ideal dish for cooks of all levels. Expect to be delighted by its earthy, aromatic flavors and the pleasing textures of the tender lentils and rice against the crunchy onions.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of lentils?
  2. Yes, you can use other types of lentils such as green or red lentils, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
  3. Can I use another type of rice?
  4. While the recipe calls for long grain white rice, you can substitute it with other types such as basmati rice or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
  5. Can I use less oil?
  6. Yes, you can reduce the amount of olive oil if desired, but keep in mind that it adds flavor and helps with the caramelization of the onions.
  7. Can I add other spices?
  8. Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs like cinnamon, coriander, or bay leaves to customize the flavor to your liking.
  9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  10. Yes, mujaddara can be made ahead of time and reheated later. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Mujaddara, a humble dish of lentils and rice crowned with caramelized onions, holds an esteemed place in Middle Eastern cuisine. Its origins can be traced back to the Ancient Persia, where it was known as 'adas polo'. This simple, yet deeply flavorful dish was often served during times of fasting in this region. In fact, Mujaddara translates to "pockmarked" in Arabic, referring to the appearance of lentils among the rice. Despite its simplicity, Mujaddara has sustained generations with its wholesome and filling nature. It’s a testament to the age-old wisdom of Middle Eastern cooks who knew how to transform scant resources into a feast for the senses. It's said that even the 12th-century philosopher Maimonides prescribed Mujaddara to his patients, extolling its nutritional benefits. Talk about a meal with a storied past!

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.