Mujadara is a classic Middle Eastern dish, a lentil pilaf that's a feast for the senses. It's a simple yet satisfying concoction of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, often spiced with cumin and cinnamon. This lentil rice pilaf recipe is a staple in many Middle Eastern homes and is loved for its comforting, earthy flavors.
If you're looking to make a dish that's not just delicious but also nutritious, look no further. Today, I am sharing Mujadara recipe, a Middle Eastern lentil pilaf that's as hearty as it is flavorful.
Why You should Make it?
here are three compelling reasons to make Mujadara:
1. Nutritious and Balanced: This rice and lentil dish os packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. The lentils provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. This combination makes Mujadara a balanced meal that keeps you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
2. Easy and Affordable: Ingredients used in Mujadara are simple and inexpensive. Most of these are already in your pantry. It's easy to make in large batches, that makes it a perfect dish for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
3. Versatile and Customizable: While the basic recipe for Mujadara is quite simple, it's also incredibly versatile. You can add different spices or herbs to change up the flavor, use different types of lentils or grains, or add additional vegetables for extra nutrition.
Ingredients Required
Sure, here's a detailed list of the ingredients you'll need to make Mujadara:
1. Lentils: You'll need standard brown or green lentils for this recipe. They have a robust, somewhat peppery flavor. Lentils are also packed with protein and fiber, making them a great choice for a hearty meal.
2. Rice : Brown rice is used instead of white rice for its nuttier flavor and higher nutritional content. If you prefer, you can use white rice, but the cooking time may vary.
3. Onions : Onions are a key ingredient in Mujadara. They're thinly sliced and caramelized until they're deeply browned and sweet. This adds a ton of flavor to the dish.
4. Olive Oil : Olive oil is used for caramelizing the onions. It's a healthy fat that adds a subtle flavor to the dish.
5. Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the Mujadara. It's a common spice in Middle Eastern cooking.
6. Tomato: traditionally tomatoes are not added but I prefer to add and believe me it makes the dish taste much better.
7. Salt and Pepper: These are added to taste. They enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
8. Nutmeg: nutmeg adds a delicious warm flavour to the dish.
9. Fresh Parsley: This is used for garnish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor to the finished dish. If you prefer, you can use other herbs like cilantro or mint.
Remember, the best dishes are often a result of personal taste, so feel free to adjust the quantities or ingredients to suit your preference. Enjoy your cooking!
The Magic of Mujadara Lentil Pilaf
What sets Mujadara apart is its simplicity. It's a vegan-friendly dish that's packed with protein, fiber, and a whole lot of flavor. The lentil pilaf is cooked to perfection, with each grain of rice adding a delightful texture. The caramelized onions lend a sweet and savory depth that makes this dish truly unique.
How to Make Mujadara Lentil Rice Pilaf
Making Mujadara is a breeze, especially if you have an Instant Pot. The lentil pilaf Instant Pot recipe cuts down the cooking time significantly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
But don't worry if you don't have an Instant Pot. The traditional stovetop method works just as well. Whether you're using brown rice for a healthier twist or sticking to the classic white rice, this Mujadara recipe is flexible and forgiving.
Serving Suggestions for Mujadara Lentil Pilaf
Mujadara is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. A simple green salad, a dollop of yogurt, or a side of pickles can elevate this dish to new heights.
A Feast from the Middle East
Mujadara is more than just a lentil pilaf. It's a testament to the beauty of Middle Eastern cuisine, where humble ingredients are transformed into something truly extraordinary. So the next time you're craving something different, give this Mujadara lentil pilaf a try. It's a feast from the Middle East that you won't soon forget.
More Such Recipes
- Vegetable Lentil Rice
- Masala Bhat Recipe
- Sambar Sadam
- Lemon Rice Recipe
- Curd Rice
- Tehri Recipe
- Spinach & Moringa Rice
- Delicious & Easy Rice Recipes
- Egg Fried Rice
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📖 Recipe
MujaDara | Lentil Pilaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup Masoor Dal whole pink lentil
- 1 cup Rice
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 onion big
- 3 Tomato purée
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chilli
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Whole masoor dal pulao inspired from labanese lentil pilaf is a life saver when I need a wholesome healthy and tasty meal in under 20 minutes. Of course with some soaking before.
- Start by rinsing Basmati rice thoroughly and then soak for 15 min. take soaked whole pink lentils which are soaked for 2 to 3 hours.
- To cook, add olive oil , add sliced onion, sauté them, add chopped ginger cook for another minute and then add red chilli powder or paprika, cumin, coriander powder, salt and stir every thing well.
- Now add tomato purée and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add soaked lentils, drained rice and combine with the onion tomato mixture that you just cooked. Mix them gently so that rice does not break while stirring
- Add two cups of water . Add grated nutmeg cover with a lid and cook for approximately 9-10 minutes .
- It’s almost done done! Finish with freshly crushed black pepper a squeeze of lime and butter as per your taste and gree
- Gently combine , serve it piping hot and Enjoy
Nutrition
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