Lebanese Mujadara – Recipe for Lebanese Style Mujadara

Lebanese Mujadara – Recipe for Lebanese Style Mujadara

Mujadara is an ancient and popular dish in the Levant region, passed down through generations. It’s simple, affordable, and can be made with either rice or bulgur. It has a delicious, rich flavor, and is especially comforting during cold days. Here’s how to prepare Lebanese Mujadara in a special way, brought to you by Arabic Cook.

Ingredients for Lebanese Style Mujadara:

• 1 tablespoon of salt (or to taste)
• A small cup of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Around 1 liter of hot water (or more as needed)
• 1 large onion, cut into thin half-moon slices
• 1 small cup of Egyptian rice
• 2 cups of black lentils

Steps to Prepare Lebanese Style Mujadara:

1. Cooking the Rice and Lentils:

   • Begin by washing the rice thoroughly, then strain it and place it in a pot with plenty of warm water. Set the pot on low heat until the water starts to boil.
   • Rinse and strain the lentils, then add them to the pot with the rice. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

2. Frying the Onions:

   • In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and add the sliced onions. Sauté the onions until they become dark and caramelized.

3. Combining Ingredients:

   • Strain the oil from the fried onions over the pot of rice and lentils, stirring them together. Keep a portion of the fried onions aside for garnish.
   • Let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are fully cooked, depending on the type of lentils used. Add the salt and stir well. If the lentils aren't cooked through and the water has evaporated, add more water as needed and continue cooking until the lentils and rice reach a thick, cohesive consistency.

4. Finishing Touch:

   • Once the rice and lentils are fully cooked, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the top and mix everything together to combine the flavors.

5. Serving:

   • Serve the Mujadara in a deep dish, garnishing with the remaining fried onions on top.
   • This dish is best enjoyed with bread, and you can also serve it with pickles or a fresh vegetable salad on the side.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for cold winter days. Bon appétit!