Mjadara(Lentils With Rice And Onions)
Mjadara is a hearty Middle Eastern dish featuring lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, offering comforting flavors with a hint of cinnamon and optional vinegar for zest. Suitable for vegetarians and wholesome meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice and sauté onions in olive oil in a 5-quart pot until slightly brown and soft.
- Wash lentils and rice in cold water and drain.
- Add lentils, rice, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and water to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium/low.
- Cook on slow heat until the lentils and rice are well done.
- Serve with a dash of vinegar if desired for a zesty touch.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while cooking the lentils and rice. You can substitute long grain brown rice with quinoa for a protein boost. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, try using sweet onions. To balance the dish, add some sautéed garlic or spices like cumin for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Mjadara makes a hearty main dish, perfect alongside a fresh salad or yogurt sauce. For added zest, serve with a side of pickles or a simple cucumber salad. It pairs beautifully with Cold Melon Soup for a refreshing meal. You can also enjoy it as a filling in wraps or pita bread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mjadara(Lentils With Rice And Onions) contains roughly 1494 calories, with 28g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1762mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mjadara ahead of time?
Yes, Mjadara can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Is Mjadara gluten-free?
Yes, Mjadara is naturally gluten-free as it primarily consists of lentils and rice. Just be sure to check that your rice is processed in a gluten-free facility if you're highly sensitive to gluten. This makes it an excellent choice for those following a gluten-free diet.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To increase the protein content, consider adding cooked chickpeas or using quinoa instead of rice. You can also serve it alongside a side of grilled chicken or tofu. For a vegetarian option, serve with a lentil salad or roasted nuts to enhance the meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).