Mujadara Middle Eastern Lentils Rice

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something warm and comforting? This mujadara recipe is it! It's savory, a bit sweet from the onions, and totally satisfying.

Think of it as your new favorite Lentils and Rice dish.

Brief Overview

Mujadara , one of the Middle Eastern Dishes with origins stretching back centuries, is peasant food at its finest. It's simple to make, taking about an hour start to finish, and this recipe will easily feed four hungry bellies.

It's a vegan mujadara option, naturally vegetarian, and super versatile.

Main Benefits

This Easy Mujadara recipe is packed with protein and fiber, making it a surprisingly healthy option for a weeknight meal.

Plus, the crispy onion topping takes it from simple to spectacular! Trust me, this will become a go-to in your house.

Let's dive into the ingredients you'll need!

What You'll Need: Your Mujadara Arsenal

Right, let’s talk ingredients. Don't be intimidated! Most of this stuff is probably already lurking in your cupboard. We’re aiming for a Lentil Recipes masterpiece, so good quality stuff is key! I once tried making this with really old cumin, and honestly, it tasted like feet.

Learn from my mistakes!

For the Crispy Onions: You'll need 2 large yellow onions. Don't skimp! You also need about 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for frying, a pinch of sugar and salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to help them caramelize.

For the Lentils and Rice Base: You’ll need some good quality olive oil (about 1 tablespoon), plus one more diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic.

Then the magic happens, with Lentils and rice spices cumin (1 teaspoon), coriander (1/2 teaspoon), and cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon) it's what makes it sing! You'll also need a cup of brown or green lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and a cup of long grain rice.

Don't forget the salt and pepper! You can squirt a bit of lemon juice at the end, like a tablespoon, to brighten the whole thing up!

Making The Magic Happen

Okay, so the first step is tackling those onions. Honestly, this is the make-or-break part. You gotta have patience! Heat the oil in a pan over medium high heat, add those thinly sliced onions with the salt and sugar, and cook, stirring like crazy, until they're golden brown and crispy.

This will take about 20 to 25 minutes. Watch them like a hawk so they don't burn! Once they are golden, scoop them out and let them drain on some paper towels, they must be super crunchy.

Set aside.

Next up, keep the oily pan, and add more oil, and soften the diced onion in there for about 5 minutes.

Then stir in the garlic and the spices. Let them cook for a minute until they are fragrant, and then add the lentils and veggie broth.

Bring it to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes. When the lentils are looking nice and soft, stir in the rice.

Turn the heat down low, put the lid on, and simmer for another 20 minutes. Once it's all done, take it off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.

It must be perfection!

Right before serving, fluff it up with a fork and season with salt and pepper, and then pile it into bowls.

Top each bowl with loads of those crispy onions, and boom! You've got a hearty plate of Mujadara variations , Middle Eastern magic!

Ingredients & Equipment For Your Mujadara Recipe

Alright, let's talk grub! This section is all about what you need to make a killer mujadara recipe . I’m practically drooling thinking about those lentils and rice already.

Honestly, this easy mujadara recipe is a weeknight game changer.

Main Players: The Good Stuff

• Crispy Onion Time:
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 400g/14oz ).
  • ½ cup vegetable oil ( 120ml/4 fl oz ).
  • ¼ teaspoon salt ( 1.5g ).
  • Pinch of sugar. These onions are key for that irresistible crispy onion topping . Quality matters here. Firm onions are best.
• Lentils and Rice Magic:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15ml/0.5 fl oz ).
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (around 200g/7oz ).
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6g ).
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin ( 5g ).
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander ( 2.5g ).
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ( 1.5g ).
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed (around 200g/7oz ). Good quality lentils should be whole and not dusty looking.
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or water ( 950ml/32 fl oz ).
  • 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed (about 185g/6.5 oz ).
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice ( 15ml/0.5 fl oz ).

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You!

Okay, let's talk flavor. Cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. These spices are crucial. This is your base for that authentic Middle Eastern dishes vibe.

For a boost, try a pinch of smoked paprika! Honestly, the right lentils and rice spices can make or break this.

No coriander? Use a bit more cumin. Don't be shy to use Lemon juice to Brighten things up. The goal is to make the best Vegan Mujadara.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large skillet or frying pan.
• Large saucepan or pot.
• Colander or fine mesh sieve.

Seriously, that’s it! You don’t need fancy gadgets for this lentil recipes dish. If you haven’t got a colander, just use a plate to hold back the lentils when you drain the water.

No stress! Remember, this mujadara recipe is all about comfort and flavour. Now get cooking!

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Mujadara Recipe Time!

Fancy a taste of the Middle East? This Mujadara recipe, a simple yet incredible lentils and rice dish, is about to become your new favourite.

Honestly, it's pure comfort food. The combination of earthy lentils, fluffy rice, and those crispy onion topping ? Forget about it! It's like a hug in a bowl.

I remember the first time I tried Mujadara variations from the local takeaway and I thought, "I could make this!".

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mujadara Mission Starts Now

Right, let's get prepped. First, the mise en place . Chop 2 large yellow onions super thin. We want crispy perfection.

Dice another large onion, too. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Rinse 1 cup of brown lentils and 1 cup of long grain rice.

Measure out your Lentils and rice spices : 1 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp coriander, 0.25 tsp cinnamon. Finally, grab 4 cups of veggie broth.

All done? Good on ya!

Mujadara Magic: step-by-step Cooking

Time to cook! Don't stress, this easy Mujadara recipe is a piece of cake.

1. Fry onions in 0.5 cup of oil, plus salt and sugar, until golden brown ( 20- 25 minutes ). Drain on paper towels.
2. Sauté diced onion in olive oil until soft ( 5 mins). Add garlic and spices. Cook for 1 min.
3. Add lentils and broth. Boil, then simmer for 20 minutes , covered.
4. Stir in rice. Simmer for 20 minutes , covered. Don't stir!
5. Let it stand for 5 minutes , covered. Fluff with a fork.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Add lemon juice, if using.
7. Spoon into bowls. Top with crispy onion topping . Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Mujadara Perfection:

• Crispy onion topping are key! Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches.
• Avoid mushy lentils. Aim for a slightly al dente texture.
• Fancy a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

This Vegan Mujadara is not only delicious but also packed with goodness. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party.

The best thing about Lentil Dishes is that it requires minimal effort to make this Middle Eastern Dishes . Hope that made you excited to prepare this delicious Lentil recipes .

Alright, let’s chat about this mujadara recipe a bit more. Honestly, there's always a little something extra you can do! So, here's the lowdown on serving, storing, and shaking things up.

Recipe Notes: Little Tips for a Perfect Mujadara Recipe

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Lentils And Rice dish ready. Now what? Presentation is key! Think about plating it nicely.

A swirl of tahini or a dollop of yogurt on top looks great. Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over.

Serve with a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing side. Warm pita bread is always a winner for scooping up every last bit.

A little squeeze of lemon on top brightens everything up!

Storage Savvy

Right, so you've made a batch of Easy Mujadara Recipe and have some leftover. Cool! Let it cool completely before putting it in the fridge.

Store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

I haven’t tried freezing it myself, but I reckon it might get a bit mushy when defrosted. Reheating? Just pop it in the microwave or gently heat it on the hob.

A splash of water can help if it seems a bit dry.

Mujadara Variations : Remix It

Want to mix things up? Go for it! For a gluten-free Vegan Mujadara , use cauliflower rice. It still tastes great.

Want it spicier? A pinch of cayenne pepper can do the trick. Honestly, sometimes I add a spoonful of harissa paste for a real kick.

You can also swap ingredients depending on the season. In autumn, roasted butternut squash pieces would be a killer addition.

I’ve added carrots, and potatoes to the mujadara variations before as well.

Lentils and Rice Spices : A Nutrition Nugget

Okay, so it's not exactly a salad, but this Lentil Dishes is pretty good for you. Lentil Recipes are packed with protein and fibre.

It’ll keep you full for ages. Plus, Lentils And Rice are a great source of iron. Just remember to eat the Crispy onion topping in moderation.

See? Cooking Middle Eastern Dishes like this mujadara recipe doesn't have to be intimidating. Have a go, and don't be afraid to experiment! You've got this.