Mujadara: How to Make this Lentil Laden Middle Eastern Delight!

I love lentils, so when my Aunt made Mujadara for me, it was kismet! Mujadara is a Middle Eastern recipe that is essentially lentils and rice, or sometimes wheat bulgur. It is super simple, maybe even a little bland to some, but if you love lentils like I do, you will love it too.

Mujadara is a bit different all over the Middle East, but my recipe is adapted from my grandmother’s (better known as Tete) recipe. Back in the day, this used to be a peasant food because the ingredients are cheap, you can make a whole mess of it, and it’s super nutritious and filling. It’s kind of like porridge, but a whole lot more flavorful in my opinion.

You could eat this as a full meal, in fact, many Christian Arabs would eat this during lent. But, you could also make this as a side along with Shish Tawook or your grilled harissa chicken. Mujadara is an easy, one pot dish that is satisfying and really has become a staple across the Middle Eastern world. So, if you love lentils and spices, give this mujadara a try.

Serves 4 as a main and 6 as a side.

Ingredients:

I cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

1/2 cup long grain or basmati rice, rinsed

1 onion, sliced

2 cloves of garlic, minced

4 ounces of spinach

Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 -2 tablespoons)

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 teaspoons of salt

1 teaspoon of bharat

Parsley and labneh or yogurt to serve.

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan. Add the onion and allow to cook for about 5 minutes until slightly translucent. Add rice, lentils, and salt and toast for another 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic, lemon juice, and bharat. Stir to combine.
3. Add 2 cups of water, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover for 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes most of the water should be absorbed, but not all. Add 1/4 cup more if needed. Stir in the spinach and allow to cook for 5 more minutes.
5. To serve, divide mujadara between bowls and top with a dollop of labneh and sprinkle with parsley.

If you love lentils like I do, try my masoor dal or my lentil soup.