The following family recipe is a delicious and easy method for Mujadara/Mojaddara, which is a combination of lentils, rice, and onions.

Ingredients:

1 Cup red/brown lentils

Half or ¾ cup rice

Three medium onions

Seven spice mix (This mix is common in stores that sell Lebanese food or Middle Eastern products. The Lebanese seven spice mix can change from a store to another. In general, it is a mix of black pepper, cumin, paprika, coriander, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. If not available, it is fine).

Salt

Cumin

Cinnamon

Vegetable oil for the onions

Olive oil

Method

Start the steps at the same time:

• Cut three medium onions into pieces and fry in a little bit of vegetable oil and salt.
• Cook the rice and lentils each in a separate pan. Use three times amount of water.

The rice will cook faster than the lentils. Take the rice once cooked and separate the water from the rice.

Meanwhile, the onions should be frying. Once they start to become golden, add more oil and keep mixing the onions so they don’t burn at the bottom. They should get golden-looking at the same time.

Once the lentils are almost ready, leave a bit of water in the pan and add the rice so they cook on low heat together for couple minutes.

Meanwhile, the onions should be all golden looking. Pour them over the rice and lentils. Add seven spices, cumin, and cinnamon. Small quantities (1/4 of a teaspoon) are added and can be increased to taste.

Add salt to taste.

Add three spoons of olive oil.

Mix the ingredients, cover, and simmer for three minutes, and then turn off the stove.

Cover the pan with a towel and let the flavors mix together for another ten minutes to give time for the lentils to cook. If in a hurry, just make sure the lentils are cooked prior to mixing them with rice and later onions.

Black pepper, salt, and hot spices can be added to taste.

Serve with bread, olives, salad, green onions, parsley, mint, and/or radish.

The dish also tastes good with yogurt.

It can be served hot or cold.

Enjoy!

Back to GLOBAL FOOD page

Other recipes: Zaatar Mankoushe AND Lentil Soup

HOME