Lebanese Style Mujaddara Recipe
An aromatic and hearty rice-lentil dish topped with golden, sautéed onions—perfect for a satisfying main course.
Description
Lebanese Style Mujaddara is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. A beautiful combination of lentils and basmati rice, this dish is elevated by the fragrant seasoning of cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and red chili powder. Its name, “Mujaddara,” translates to “pockmarked,” referring to the look of the lentils. This dish, often served as a main course, is a rich vegetarian delight. The finishing touch of sautéed onions and fresh coriander adds a burst of flavor and color to the meal.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 cup |
| Masoor Dal (Whole) | 1 cup |
| Onions (thinly sliced) | 3 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder (pounded) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole almonds (Badam), boiled and skin peeled | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon juice | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For cooking |
| Hung curd (Greek yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Lentils
Begin by parboiling the masoor dal. In a pressure cooker, add the masoor dal and water. Cook for about two whistles, then allow the pressure to release naturally. Once done, set the dal aside. -
Sauté the Onions
In the same pressure cooker, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds (jeera) and allow them to crackle. Then, add the thinly sliced onions. Sauté the onions until they turn a deep golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure they do not burn. This process adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish. -
Season the Dish
Once the onions are brown, add the pounded black pepper, cinnamon powder, and red chili powder. Sauté the spice mixture with the onions for about 10 minutes, allowing the spices to fully infuse the oil. -
Combine the Rice and Dal
Next, add the soaked basmati rice to the pressure cooker, sautéing it with the onions and spices for a few more minutes. This step helps the rice absorb the flavors from the onions and spices. Add the parboiled masoor dal to the rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. -
Cook the Mujaddara
Add 2 cups of water to the cooker and stir to combine. Close the lid and cook for two whistles on high heat. Once the pressure has released naturally, reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This ensures the rice and lentils are perfectly cooked and flavorful. -
Garnish and Serve
After the cooking time is complete, open the pressure cooker. Toss the Mujaddara with a little olive oil for extra richness. Garnish with the sautéed onions you set aside earlier and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves for a fresh finish. -
Serving Suggestion
Serve your Lebanese Style Mujaddara warm, accompanied by a dollop of hung curd (Greek yogurt) to add creaminess. This dish is perfect for a one-pot Sunday lunch or as a satisfying vegetarian main course any day of the week.
Tips for the Best Mujaddara
- Sauté the onions well: The key to perfect Mujaddara lies in the caramelized onions. Don’t rush this step; allow the onions to brown evenly for the best flavor.
- Soak the rice: Soaking the basmati rice for 30 minutes before cooking ensures it cooks more evenly and becomes fluffy.
- Season generously: The spices are the heart of Mujaddara, so don’t be afraid to adjust them to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Potassium | 340mg |
| Vitamin A | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 12% |
| Calcium | 3% |
| Iron | 10% |
Enjoy the rich, savory goodness of this Lebanese classic! It’s a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a sense of Middle Eastern tradition right to your table. Perfect for any occasion, this Mujaddara is sure to become a family favorite!
