Mujadara
Mujadara, also known as mujaddara or mejadra, is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is as flavorful as it is comforting. This simple yet satisfying recipe combines lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, resulting in a wholesome and delicious meal that has been enjoyed for centuries. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, mujadara is not only a culinary delight but also a nourishing option for vegetarians and vegans.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
- 4 cloves garlic smashed and peeled
- 2-4 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1¾ tsp fine Celtic sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup organic brown basmati rice (not quick-cooking)
- 1 cup green lentils rinsed
- ⅓ cup olive oil (or can sub coconut oil)
- 3 Vidalia onions sliced thin
- 1 bunch green onions chopped
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped
- Organic goat milk yogurt (can substitute Greek yogurt) for topping
- Hummus for topping
- Tahini for topping
- 3 limes cut into wedges
- Cucumbers sliced for toppings
In your enameled cast iron pot, combine the vegetable broth, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, salt, and pepper. Boil.
Once the mixture is boiling, stir in the rice. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and set a 10 minute timer.
When the timer goes off, stir in the lentils. Cover again and set a timer for 20-25 minutes.
While the rice/lentils are cooking, caramelize your Vidalia onions. Warm the oil in the pan and stir the onions slowly over low-to-medium heat until they are soft and golden brown.
When the lentils are rice are done, turn off the heat. Add in ½ of the chopped green onions and ½ of the chopped cilantro. Return the lid and let the pot sit for 10 minutes.
Transfer the lentil/rice mixture to a serving platter. Top with the remaining chopped green onions and chopped cilantro.
Serve with dollops of goat yogurt, hummus, tahini, lime wedges, and sliced cucumbers.
Note: This recipe is designed for brown rice and green lentils. Changing the rice or lentils will change the cooking time.
We do not recommend canned lentils.
Keyword dinner recipe, middle eastern, mujadara, plant-based