Authentic Lebanese Mujaddara Recipe - A Taste of Tradition

🍽️ About This Dish

Mujaddara holds a special place in Lebanese cuisine, dating back centuries as a humble yet flavorful dish enjoyed by families across the country. Its origins are rooted in the peasant diet of Lebanon, where simple ingredients like rice, lentils, and caramelized onions come together to create a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.

🌿 Ingredients Overview

• Lentils (Adas)
• Rice (Riz)
• Onions (Basal)
• Olive Oil (Zeitoun)
• Cumin (Kammun)
• Salt (Milh)
• Water

✨ What Makes It Special

Mujaddara showcases the essence of Lebanese cooking, emphasizing the use of pantry staples to create a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts. While the basic recipe remains consistent, variations may include the addition of spices like cinnamon or allspice, as well as garnishes such as fresh herbs or yogurt.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup rice
• 4 onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

1. Rinse the lentils and rice separately under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine the lentils with water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils are partially cooked.
3. Add the rice to the lentils along with more water, cumin, and salt. Cook until the rice and lentils are tender and most of the water is absorbed.
4. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté the sliced onions until caramelized and crispy.
5. Serve the mujaddara topped with the caramelized onions and a drizzle of olive oil.

⏰ Timing Guide

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 55 minutes

🥂 Beverage Pairing

For a traditional Lebanese meal experience, serve Mujaddara with a side of yogurt, fresh vegetables, and a glass of Arak, an anise-flavored spirit popular in Lebanon. The tanginess of the yogurt complements the earthy flavors of the dish, while Arak provides a refreshing contrast.

💭 Chef's Notes

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the dish.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of yogurt before serving.
• Leftover mujaddara can be reheated in a pan with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

📦 Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of water to maintain moisture.

Enjoy the simplicity and heartiness of Mujaddara, a dish that embodies the soul of Lebanese home cooking.