Mujadarah is a comforting Arab-origin dish that combines cooked lentils with aromatic spiced rice, accompanied by crispy fried onions.
It is a nutritious, easy-to-make, and flavorful dish, ideal for a warm lunch or dinner. The blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, allspice, and cinnamon gives it a unique touch, while the fried onions add texture and sweetness. It can be served as a main course or as an appetizer in a Mediterranean or Arab meal.
Mujadara
Ingredients
250 grams of Lentils
3 tablespoons of Olive oil
2 teaspoons of Whole cumin seeds
1 ½ teaspoon of Coriander seeds
½ teaspoon of Turmeric
1 ½ teaspoon of Ground allspice
1 ½ teaspoon of Ground cinnamon
200 grams of Basmati rice
700 grams of Onions
300 milliliters of Sunflower oil
1 pinch of Salt
Preparation
Step 1 : First, weigh the lentils and place them in a pot with cold water.
Step 2 : Bring to a boil and cook on low heat until tender.
Step 3 : Once cooked, add salt to taste and set aside with its liquid, which will be useful for adjusting the moisture of the dish if necessary.
Step 4 : Meanwhile, measure the spices.
Step 5 : Grind the allspice in a mortar, together with the cumin, and prepare all the necessary spices for the recipe.
Step 6 : In another pot, heat the olive oil and, when hot, add the whole coriander and cumin seeds.
Step 7 : Toast for one or two minutes, making sure they don't burn.
Step 8 : Then, add the ground spices and quickly mix to release their aromas.
Step 9 : Next, add the rice and vigorously mix so that it absorbs the oil and spices, ensuring it is well coated.
Step 10 : Salt to taste and add enough water to cover the rice.
Step 11 : Cover the pot and cook on medium heat, allowing the rice to cook in the steam.
Step 12 : When about ten minutes remain for the rice to finish cooking, add the cooked lentils and a bit of their liquid if needed, taking care that the dish does not become too dry.
Step 13 : Meanwhile, prepare the onions by slicing them into strips or rings.
Step 14 : In a pan with hot oil, fry the onions until golden and crispy.
Step 15 : Using a slotted spoon, remove and place on paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step 16 : Finally, serve the lentils and rice accompanied by the crispy onions, enjoying a dish full of comforting flavors and textures.













