Traditional Mjadra: Arabic recipe for rice with lentils

A classic of Arabic cuisine, it combines loose rice, soft lentils and caramelized onions, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish.

Mjadra is a classic dish of Arabic cuisine, full of authentic flavors, with soft rice, soft lentils and caramelized onions.

Recipe for 4 people.

Classic (no restrictions), Gluten Free, Gluten and Lactose Free, Lactose Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Preparation: 00:50

Intermission: 00:20

TOOLS

1 kettle, 1 frying pan(es) (with lid), 1 frying pan(es), 1 spatula(s), 1 strainer or colander, 1 cutting board(s), 1 mandolin (optional)

EQUIPMENT

conventional

METERS

cup = 240 ml, spoon = 15 ml, teaspoon = 10 ml, teaspoon = 5 ml

Mjadra Ingredients – Lentils:

– 1 cup(s) of lentils

– 3 cups of water

– salt to taste

Mjadra Ingredients – Rice:

– 1 cup(s) parboiled rice

– pre-cooked lentils (see recipe) to taste

– 2 cups of boiling water

– 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

– 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste) ^THE

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin (or to taste) ^THE

– Syrian pepper to taste (optional) ^THE

– ground cinnamon to taste (optional) ^THE

Caramelized onion ingredients:

– 3 large onions, peeled and sliced

– olive oil to taste

– salt to taste

– pepper to taste ^THE

Ingredients TO COMPLETE:

– extra virgin olive oil to taste

– chopped parsley to taste (optional)

PREPARATION:

1. Separate the recipe ingredients and utensils. Put water to boil in a kettle.
2. Start by preparing the lentils (see preparation).
3. If you are not using parboiled rice, wash the rice under running water until the water is clear, removing excess starch. Drain well and reserve.
4. Peel and finely slice the onions, preferably with a mandolin. Book.
5. Wash the parsley well (optional), dry it and place it on absorbent paper.

PREPARATION:

Lentils (do this step during pre-preparation):

1. Wash the lentils under running water and drain them well.
2. Place the lentils in a pan with cold water (see quantities in the ingredients) over high heat.
3. Once they reach the boil, add salt and cook over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, until they are partially soft but firm.
4. Return to pre-preparation (step 3).

Lentils (continued):

1. Make sure the lentils are partially cooked.
2. Drain the lentils after cooking and set aside.

Rice with Lentils:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the blanched rice or washed rice and brown for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add the partially cooked lentils and mix well.
4. Add water (see quantity in ingredients), salt, black pepper and cumin, Syrian pepper (optional) and ground cinnamon (optional). Mix gently.
5. Raise the heat to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook for 15 minutes, until the rice and lentils are tender and the water has been absorbed.
6. After cooking, turn off the heat and leave the pan covered for 10 minutes to complete the integration of the flavors.

Caramelized onions (do this step while the rice cooks):

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced ​​onions and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Stir occasionally, allowing the onions to brown and develop a sweet flavor.
4. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until caramelized.
5. During the process, add small quantities of water to prevent the onions from sticking or burning and to ensure uniform caramelization.

FINALIZATION AND ASSEMBLY:

1. Fluff the rice and lentils with a fork to ensure the grains are well separated.
2. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
3. Download the Mjadra for a dish or single dishes.
4. Distribute the caramelized onions over the rice, spreading it evenly, and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top.
5. Serve hot or at room temperature.
6. Serve with fresh salad, dried curd or pita bread, depending on your preference.

a) This ingredient(s) may contain traces of gluten due to cross-contamination. Gluten does not cause any harm or discomfort to people who are not sensitive or allergic to lactose and can be consumed in moderation without any harm to health. Consumption by celiac patients, even in small quantities, can cause various reactions. We therefore always recommend reading the labels of this ingredient(s) and other ingredients that may not be marked very carefully and opting for brands that certify that the product does not contain GLUTEN.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.