Majadra is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that combines rice, lentils, and caramelized onions in an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. The dish is popular for its simplicity and wholesomeness, making it a staple in many households across the region. Majadra can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, accompanied by various meats, vegetables, or salads. With its rich history and delectable taste, this hearty dish continues to win hearts and satisfy appetites. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this article will guide you through the essential steps and provide you with the best recipe to prepare an unforgettable Majadra dish.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
WHOLE RICE AND LENTILS (MAJADARA)
One of my 'Israeli' recipes that I've adapted for whole rice (that in my opinion needs more seasoning). Good as a whole meal or as a side dish. Freezes fairly well, too.
Provided by shari p.
Categories Main Dish Recipes Rice Beans and Rice Recipes
Time 1h5m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until onion has softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add ginger and stir until fragrant, 1 minute. Add brown rice and stir to coat rice with oil.
- Stir lentils, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon into rice mixture; cover with water. Place lid on pot and simmer over low heat until lentils are tender and rice has absorbed the water, about 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 206.8 calories, Carbohydrate 28.5 g, Fat 7.6 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 7.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 296.3 mg, Sugar 1.9 g
LEBANESE LENTILS, RICE AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS (MUJADARA)
Provided by Aarti Sequeira
Time 1h25m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Throw the lentils into a medium saucepan. Fill with enough cold water to cover the lentils by about an inch. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then turn down to a simmer and cook until the lentils are tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, as the lentils cook, grab a large skillet. Pop it over medium-high heat and add the oil. Allow the oil to warm for a minute, then drop in the cumin seeds and cracked peppercorns and cook, shaking the pan once in a while until the cumin seeds darken a touch, about 1 minute.
- Add the onions, sprinkle with a dash of salt and cook until they turn dark caramel brown, stirring often. This will take about 15 minutes. Splash the onions with a little water if they stick to the bottom of the pan. You'll know they're done both by their deep chestnut color and by the slight crispiness developing on some of the onions.
- Using a slotted spoon or spatula, remove about half of the onions to a paper towel-lined plate; these are for garnish later. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, cayenne and then add the cinnamon stick; saute about 1 minute.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring often (but gently so you don't break the rice!) until some rice grains start to brown. Quickly, add the cooked lentils, 3 cups of water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt; bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low so that the pan is at a simmer, cover and cook 30 minutes. The water should be completely evaporated and rice should be tender. (If there's still too much water in the bottom, put the lid back on and cook for another 5 minutes.)
- Turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and allow the rice to steam undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts, if using, in a small skillet over medium-low heat, shaking often, about 5 minutes.
- Taste the rice for seasoning. Serve with the reserved caramelized onions, toasted pine nuts, if using, and a little squeeze of lemon juice. I also like to serve this with some dollops of Greek yogurt.
MUJADARA (LENTILS AND RICE WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS)
Mujadara is a classic Arabic recipe featuring cooked lentils and rice, caramelized onions, herbs and yogurt. It's a delicious vegetarian main dish! This version calls for brown rice instead of white (if you want to use white, see recipe notes). Recipe yields 4 generous servings.
Provided by Cookie and Kate
Categories Main Dish
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, combine the garlic, bay leaves, cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and about 20 twists of freshly ground black pepper. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, stir in the rice and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a controlled simmer, for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the lentils and let the mixture return to a simmer. Cover again, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice and lentils are tender, about 20 to 23 minutes.
- Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. When it's warm enough that a slice of onion sizzles on contact, add the remaining onions. Stir to combine.
- Stir only every 3 minutes or so at first, then more often once the onions at the edges of the pan start browning. If the onions are browning before they have softened, dial down the heat to give them more time. Cook until the onions are deeply caramelized and starting to crisp at the edges, about 20 to 30 minutes. In the meantime, line a large plate or cutting board with a couple paper towels.
- Using a slotted spoon or fish spatula, transfer the onions to the lined plate and spread them evenly across. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt over the onions. They'll crisp up as they cool.
- When the lentils and rice are done cooking, drain off any excess water (if there is any) and return the mixture to the pot, off the heat. Lay a kitchen towel across the top of the pot to absorb steam, then cover the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, discard the bay leaves, and smash the garlic cloves against the side of the pan with a fork. Add about 3/4ths of the green onions and cilantro, reserving the rest for garnish. Gently stir and fluff the rice with a fork. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Transfer the rice and lentil mixture to a large serving platter or bowl. Top with the caramelized onions and the remaining green onions and cilantro. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature, with yogurt and spicy sauce (optional) on the side.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 generous serving, without yogurt or hot sauce, Calories 471 calories, Sugar 4.7 g, Sodium 936.3 mg, Fat 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 70.5 g, Fiber 8.5 g, Protein 16.9 g, Cholesterol 0 mg
MUJADARA
Lentils, rice, olive oil, and onions-this Middle Eastern standard is the ultimate pantry recipe. It's also the classic example of a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. There are literally dozens of recipes for mujadara out there-each country, possibly even each family, seems to have its own version.
Provided by Debbie Koenig
Categories Vegetarian Kid-Friendly Dinner Legume Lentil Simmer Vegan Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher Small Plates
Yield Serves 4 to 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a very large nonstick skillet over low heat (if you only have smaller skillets, divide the oil and onions between two). When the oil shimmers, add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 2. Meanwhile, bring 4 1/2 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan or small stockpot and add the lentils. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, then add the rice and half the cooked onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, covered, over very low heat until the lentils and rice are tender, about 20 minutes more. You may need to add more water toward the end; check after 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- 3. While the rice and lentils are cooking, cook the onions remaining in the skillet over low heat, stirring often, until dark brown and nearly crisp, 15 to 20 minutes.
- 4. Serve hot or at room temperature, with browned onions sprinkled on top. Add a dollop of the yogurt or sour cream if desired.
MUJADDARA ARABIC LENTIL RICE
Enjoy a great tasting dish to share with family and friends. Special dish for vegetarians, and one of our favorite meals. Instead of placing the onion on top you can mix it along with the lentils and rice before serving. It makes a perfect meal with a fresh green salad. Also you can use 2 cups of vegetable broth instead of 2 cups of water to cook the lentils.
Provided by Osiris (Rodizer)
Categories Main Dish Recipes Rice Beans and Rice Recipes
Time 1h25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine the lentils, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, the cumin, and garlic powder in a pot over medium heat; bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook until the lentils begin to soften, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Stir the rice, 3/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, and the olive oil into the lentils. Cover the pot and continue cooking until the lentils and rice are tender, about 40 minutes.
- Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook the onions in the oil until browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Spread the onions over the rice and lentil mixture to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 371.2 calories, Carbohydrate 49.8 g, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 12.2 g, Protein 11.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 788.2 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
MAJADRA
I wanted to make Majadra, just like my kids get for lunch at their Israeli schools. Majadra is basically a combination of lentils and rice. Sounds simple, but if it isn't done right children will somehow know the difference. This is how I use what a site called IsraeliKitchen.com had to offer. The recipe basically involves preparing the lentils and rice separately (but in that special, correct way) and then mixing them together.
Provided by AbbaGav
Categories Rice
Time 1h10m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Rinse the rice and drain it.
- Heat the 2 tbs olive oil at the bottom of a cooking pot and add the rice, stirring to coat the grains with oil.
- When rice is transparent, or after a minute or two, add the garlic. Stir half a minute and add salt and then the 3 cups of boiling water.
- Bring it back to a boil, then cover and lower the flame to lowest setting. Cook the rice until the water is evaporated and the rice is tender.
- Set aside the rice.
- Pick over the lentils and rinse. Simmer them in the water with the bay leaf until they are soft but not mushy, probably 30-40 minutes. You can add more water if they are drying out but need more time to cook. When they are done, drain if there is any leftover water.
- Add salt to flavor the lentils when they are done and remove the bay leaf. Set aside. (You can probably do the rice and lentils mostly at the same time).
- Slice the onions very thin.
- Caramelize the onions in the 2 tbs olive oil, on a very low flame, until they are soft and golden, not brown and crisp.
- Add the cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper to the onions.
- Now combine: fluff the rice with a fork. Add the lentils and stir. Stir in some of the onions and perhaps leave some to go on the top.
BULGUR MUJADARA
Mujadara is one of the most popular dishes across the Levant, with a complex taste that belies its simple ingredients. The mix of contrasting tastes - sweet onions with savory hearty lentils, tender bulgur with crunchy fried onions - is a feast for the tastebuds. The dish is quite forgiving as there is no right or wrong texture. Some people prefer it fluffy like a pilaf while others prefer it more dense, like sticky rice. This version falls somewhere in the middle. Since lentils and bulgur absorb different amounts of liquid depending on variety, check on them periodically, taste and add water as necessary while cooking. The finished dish is equally delicious warm or at room temperature. It is wholesome on its own, but combined with yogurt and served with a chopped salad, bread and olives, it becomes a most satisfying meal.
Provided by Reem Kassis
Categories dinner, lunch, beans, grains and rice, main course, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Make the mujadara: Bring lentils and 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot over high. Reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are partly cooked, 12 to 18 minutes. Taste a lentil to see if it's tender but still has a bite. The timing depends on the lentil variety: Black and le Puy need the most time; green needs the least. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high. Add the onions and cook, stirring regularly, until deep golden brown and starting to crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. It is important to get them to this point because dark onions give mujadara its distinctive dark color and flavor. Onions go from deep brown to burned very quickly, so be sure to remove from the heat before they burn.
- Pour the onions with the oil over the lentils, and stir in the salt and cumin. Add the bulgur, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to lowest setting and simmer, covered, until fully cooked, 10 to 15 minutes. Check on the mujadara periodically: If the bulgur and lentils are not fully cooked but the water has evaporated, add a few tablespoons of water and continue to cook until done. Place a tea towel or paper towels under the lid and let sit for 15 minutes.
- If you are making the optional topping, prepare it while the mujadara rests: Heat about 1 inch vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium to 350 degrees or until a small morsel of bread bubbles and immediately rises to the top. Cut the onion in half and slice through the core to create very thin crescents. Place onions in a medium bowl, sprinkle with the cornstarch and toss to combine. Working in small batches, carefully add to hot oil and fry, stirring occasionally for even browning, until crisp and golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels until dry and crispy, about 2 minutes.
- To serve, transfer mujadara to a serving platter and top with crispy onions, if using.
MJADRA - LENTILS AND RICE
This is a typical Middle Eastern recipe given to me by my niece. Her in-laws, who are from the Middle East, gave this recipe to her and it has become a staple in their home. I think it's fantastic, too. It could work as a vegetarian main dish, a side dish or lunch. It is traditionally served with a salad made of the following: chopped lettuce, chopped tomato, chopped green pepper, lemon juice and salt. I like to mix the mjadra right in with the salad. Yum!
Provided by LifeIsGood
Categories Low Protein
Time 40m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine water and lentils and boil for 10 minutes.
- Add rice to the boiling water, keeping the lentils in the pot, and boil for 15 minutes - until the rice starts to bubble at the top. Stir occasionally.
- Meanwhile, saute strips of onion in olive oil and add to rice and lentils.
- Stir in salt and pepper, to taste. You definitely will need the salt and pepper. You may need to experiment with the amount.
- Simmer this mixture for about another 5 minutes.
- Eat as is or serve with a salad (as described in the intro.).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 363.3, Fat 14, SaturatedFat 2, Sodium 17.1, Carbohydrate 51.2, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 2.1, Protein 8
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your maqlubeh even more delicious. Look for ripe tomatoes, tender eggplant, and flavorful rice.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices: Maqlubeh is a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste. Try adding different spices, such as cumin, coriander, or paprika, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Cook the rice until it is tender but not mushy: The rice should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. If you overcook the rice, it will become mushy and ruin the texture of the dish.
- Layer the ingredients carefully: The order of the layers is important in maqlubeh. The meat and vegetables should be on the bottom, followed by the rice, and then the yogurt sauce. This will ensure that the dish cooks evenly and that the flavors meld together.
- Let the maqlubeh rest before serving: This will allow the flavors to develop and the dish to set. Maqlubeh is best served warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion:
Maqlubeh is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be customized to your taste. With its combination of tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, maqlubeh is sure to please everyone at the table.
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