Middle Eastern · serves 2

Mujadara

Lentils, rice and a mountain of fried onions. Three ingredients, and it costs almost nothing.

45 min Some work Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils
  • 1 cup rice
  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Curd with garlic and mint to serve

Method

  1. The onions are the dish. Fry them in olive oil on medium for 25 minutes until deep brown and crisp. Stir often near the end. Keep half aside.
  2. Boil the lentils in plenty of water for 15 minutes till nearly tender, then drain, keeping the liquid.
  3. Rice, half the fried onions, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and salt into the pot with the lentils.
  4. Add lentil water to cover by 2cm. Boil, then cover and lowest flame 15 minutes.
  5. Rest 10 minutes, then fork through.
  6. The reserved crisp onions piled on top. Garlicky curd on the side.

Questions people ask about Mujadara

How long does Mujadara take?

About 45 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What can I use instead of rice in Mujadara?

Use any long-grain rice. Basmati needs less water than most, so check the packet before following the ratio here.

Can I make Mujadara ahead of time?

Yes, and it is better for it. Cool it fully, refrigerate for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water. The flavours settle overnight.

Is Mujadara vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

What do you serve with Mujadara?

Garlicky curd on the side. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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