Middle Eastern Mujaddara(moujadara) recipe
I am always on the lookout for rice recipes - well can't think of a meal without some rice. We may reduce the quantity but are yet to completely eliminate it from our diet what so ever!! Its sometimes hard to think that what we grew up with would be bad for us. Just because we don't get enough exercise is not the fault of rice now is there? ;) I hate working out :( but if I had to choose between cutting out rice and exercise, I would prefer even living inside the gym! Anyways, rice is such a handy item for lunches and in of those google searches I got to know of Middle Eastern Mujaddara. Its a lentil rice and it fit my need like a glove. Protein with rice - Perfect!.
Middle Eastern Mujaddara(moujadara) recipe
It is also known moujadara, mejadra or mudardara. I checked out many versions of this recipe and have put together as per my needs and preferences. All of them predominantly make use of Brown/Green lentils. I always have green lentils for its firm texture. I like that it does not break down while cooking and retains its shape making the dish more hearty. Lots of caramelized onions as a topping completes this dish. You might be interested in: Arroz Amarillo (Yellow rice), Chipotle style Cilantro Lime rice, African Jollof Rice, Mixed Rice Pilaf, Kashmiri Pulao, Zafrani Pulao
  • Cook time:
  • Prep time:
  • Serves: 2 people
Ingredients
  • 1 cup brown/green lentils
  • 1 cup Basmati (or any long grained rice), pre soaked in water for 20 min.
  • 2 large onions, sliced into rings
  • 1 small shallot , finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • grated zest and juice of one lemon
  • few sprigs of cilantro/parsley for garnish
  • salt to taste
Method
1. Soak the lentils for an hour. This is not necessary but I find that it helps to speed up the cooking process.
2. Cook the lentils in about 2-3 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and then simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the lentils get a texture of what in the Pasta world we call as 'Al dente'. Cooked but with a bite in it still.
3. Meanwhile heat about 2 tsp of oil or butter in a skillet. Once hot add the sliced onions to it
4. and cook until browned and caramelized. This takes about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add 1/2 tsp oil (if needed) and add  the shallot or use little of red/white onion (whatever you have in hand). Add salt and cook for 1 minute
6. Add the rice and cinnamon stick and cook until the rice is aromatic and toasted.
7. Add 2 cups of water, cover and cook rice - about 10-15 minutes.
8. When the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is almost cooked, add the cooked lentils, zest and juice of lemon to this mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes for the rice to absorb the flavors of the lentils.
Serve with caramelized onions and garnished with cilantro. I served mine with a simple Carrot Raita. Middle Eastern Mujaddara(moujadara) recipe

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1 Member Reviews

By Mohammad on Jan 19, 2014

9 Comments

By kriti on Mar 16, 2014

Hi.. you have not mentioned at what stage you add the cumin/fennel seeds, I'm assuming its before you fry the shallots. Pls confirm.

By Seema Gupta on Jul 3, 2011

It looks good, but how is this Greek? I thought you wrote it is from the Middle East, it's confusing!!!

Its a result of overzealous tagging :) Thanks for pointing it out --DK

By Kiran on Jan 6, 2010

I don't think I could live without rice :oops: But as you said I would much rather workout everyday then give them up. I like this recipe simple yet effective. :lol:

By JPT on Jan 5, 2010

Good recipe and fairly easy. I would probably make the thing in one pot together and not put the two onions after (it overpowered it). But a keeper that we'll make again. Thank you! :)

By Dips on Dec 30, 2009

That looks good..I used to make it a lot a while back..skipped out of my mind..I used to sprout the lentils though...the plain lentils and onions and pepper make such a satisfying rice dish ! Thanks for reminding !!

By pavani on Dec 29, 2009

This dish looks really tasty. I love rice dishes, though i am cutting down on rice. we cannot restrict ourselves having rice dishes. Thanks for posting such a healthy recipe.

By Priya on Dec 28, 2009

Sounds very healthy and filling dish, very new to me..

By jennyccy on Dec 27, 2009

Wonderful mujaddara! I always looks for rice when I am hungry. It is an important meal in our diet.

By Siri on Dec 27, 2009

Yummy looking rice babes.. hope your vacation went well. Nupur started this 'recipe countdown' to New Year..(from 25th to 31st)..and I thought it was fun to join it.. :-D ..and ofcourse a selfish motive to blog regularly.. :lol: Hugs, Siri