Mujadarra (Lentils with Rice)

I was introduced to this Middle Eastern dish by one of my best friends, who is Palestinian. His mother made this once a week at her deli and after trying it once I had a standing order to save me a plate every week. This is so healthy and delicious, and it's so simple to make. After she retired and closed her deli I had to search through several recipes and make my adjustments to get it to my liking. It has become a staple in my home.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 350 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 carrots, grated
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (Optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons water, or more as needed
• 14 ounces dry brown lentils
• ¼ teaspoon yellow curry powder (Optional)
• 4 cups cooked brown rice, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water; add lentils and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until slightly tender, about 10 minutes. Add grated carrots; cook until slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Drain lentils and carrots.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat; add onions and garlic. Cook and stir until onions wilt and become transparent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in lentils and carrots and reduce heat to medium-low. Add enough water to the pot to keep the lentil mixture from drying out.

Step 3

Sprinkle cumin, cayenne, curry powder, salt, and pepper over lentils; stir until heated through and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Serve over rice.