Mujadara

After the big clean up of the kitchen I am trying to use up the few things that did not get thrown away. Two big categories were lentils and rice. So I decided to make one of my favorite Arabic dishes, mujadara. This is literally lentils, rice and caramelized onions. It is an almost perfect food.

I am no expert in arabic cooking, but I love all those Mediterranean cuisines and flavors. This could not be easier. You slice lots of onions a thinly as possible, at least three big ones, but more is better and slow cook them with some olive oil in a large fry pan until they turn warm brown. Stir often.

Separately in a big pot, put five cups of water, 4 tablespoons spoons of minced garlic, 3 bay leaves, 1 T. Cumin, 1 T. Salt and a lot of fresh ground pepper. Add 1 C. Of green or brown dried lentils. Bring the pot to a boil and reduce to simmer and cook for ten minutes from the time you turned the heat on.

After ten minutes add a cup of basmati rice. Stir and cover the pot and simmer the whole thing for another 15 minutes. Taste for doneness and if done right all the water should be used up. Take the pot off the heat. Cover with a clean dish towel and then the pot lid. Let sit for ten minutes.

Chop a big handful of cilantro. Add then onions and cilantro to the lentil/rice pot. Taste for salt and pepper.

Serve with some yoghurt and a hot sauce if you like heat.

This keeps well in the fridge for many days. Can be a main dish, or a side with some protein.