Mujaddara is a hearty and wholesome dish with roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly popular in Iraq. This dish combines cooked lentils and rice, flavored with aromatic spices and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a budget-friendly, nutritious, and satisfying meal that has been cherished for generations.
| Country | Iraq |
| Degree of Difficulty | Easy |
| Type of Food | Main Course |
| Cooking Time | Approximately 45 minutes |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Serving Size | 4 people |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
- In a large pot, combine the lentils, rice, water, cumin, and coriander. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are tender and the water is absorbed.
- While the rice and lentils are cooking, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- To serve, spoon the cooked mujaddara onto a platter and top it with the crispy fried onions.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving)
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 3g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 73g |
| Sugar | 0.25g |
| Fiber | 11g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- You can add a dash of lemon juice or serve with yogurt for added flavor.
- Some variations include adding ground cinnamon, allspice, or cloves to the rice and lentils.
Tips or Variations:
- When frying the onions, ensure they become truly crispy for the best texture contrast in your mujaddara.
- Customize the spice blend to your liking by adding more or less of the suggested spices.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- Mujaddara is enjoyed in various Middle Eastern countries, with regional variations in spices and preparation.
Allergen Checklist:
- Mujaddara is suitable for vegetarians and can easily be made vegan
- It does not contain common allergens, but be mindful of potential cross-contamination in ingredient sourcing
