Best 5 Mdardara Lentil And Rice Pilaf Recipes

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**Discover the Delightful World of Mdardara: A Culinary Journey Through Lentils, Rice, and Aromatic Spices**

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with Mdardara, a traditional lentil and rice pilaf that captivates the senses with its vibrant flavors and enticing aromas. This humble dish, often served as a main course or hearty side, holds a special place in the cuisines of Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. While the core ingredients remain consistent across regions, variations in spices and accompaniments add unique nuances to each interpretation.

In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of authentic Mdardara recipes that showcase the diverse culinary heritage of the region. From the classic Jordanian Mdardara, featuring a tantalizing blend of cumin, coriander, allspice, and cinnamon, to the zesty Lebanese version infused with the tangy brightness of sumac, each recipe offers a distinct taste experience.

For those seeking a vegan or vegetarian option, we present a delectable lentil and rice pilaf recipe that delivers all the flavors of the traditional dish without compromising on taste. For those who prefer a heartier meal, we offer a variation that incorporates succulent ground beef, adding an extra layer of savory richness.

No matter your dietary preferences or culinary expertise, this collection of Mdardara recipes is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and embark on a journey of culinary exploration with our carefully curated selection of Mdardara recipes.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

LEBANESE MUJADARA



Lebanese Mujadara image

Mujadara is a Middle Eastern lentils and rice recipe made w caramelized onions. You only need three ingredients to make this simple vegan, protein-rich meal

Provided by Yumna Jawad

Categories     Entree

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2.5 cups green or brown lentils
1 cup rice
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
6 onions (5 chopped, and 1 sliced)
1 teaspoon cumin

Steps:

  • Rinse lentils, strain and place in a large pot with 5 cups of water. Bring mixture to a boil, simmer and cook covered until the lentils are tender but not fully cooked, about 15 minutes. Most of the liquid should be absorbed.
  • Rinse the rice, then transfer to the pot of lentils and season with salt. Add 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook covered until the rice is tender, about 18 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Allow the rice to rest in the pot for about 5 minutes, without opening the lid, to absorb all the liquid and steam.
  • In a separate large pan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat and fry the chopped onions until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Transfer on top of the lentils and rice mixture, add cumin and toss to combine.
  • In the same large pan used to cook the onions, heat the remaining olive oil on medium heat and fry the sliced onions until golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. In the last couple minutes of frying the onions, you can turn up the heat to high to get a crispy texture.
  • Serve the caramelized onions on top of mujadara with yogurt and mint, if desired,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312 kcal, Carbohydrate 47 g, Protein 13 g, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 297 mg, Fiber 15 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

LENTIL RICE PILAF WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS (MUJADARA)



Lentil Rice Pilaf with Caramelized Onions (Mujadara) image

A warm and comforting lentil rice pilaf with caramelized onions. This pilaf is known as 'mujadara' in the middle east and is vegan-friendly and perfect as a side for holidays or weeknight dinners!

Provided by Marzia

Categories     30 Minute Meals

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2/3 cup brown lentils, rinsed
1 cup basmati rice
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
3/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon EACH: sugar AND salt

Steps:

  • prep the ingredients: Add the lentils into a small saucepan and add water until the lentils are covered by at least 2 inches. Cook the lentils over medium-high heat until almost tender, about 15-18 minutes. Drain; set aside. Soak the rice in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes while you caramelize the onions.
  • onions: Add the olive oil into a deep, thick-bottomed pot (with a lid), like a dutch oven. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the onions and stir them around to coat with the oil. Set a timer for 20 minutes and cook the onions for a total of 18-22 minutes, stirring often, or until the onions are a deep orange or brown color. If the onions start to brown before the 10-minute mark, lower the heat. Ideally, they should start developing color around 12-15 minutes. And from that point on, you'll need to stir the onions often so that they don't burn. Remove the onions to a plate lined with a paper towel.
  • rice pilaf: Drain the soaked rice thoroughly and add it to the oil remaining in the pot (if you have less than a tablespoon, add a little more). Sauté the rice in the remaining oil for 2 minutes. Add the lentils to the pot and season with the cumin, coriander, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Add 1 1/2 cups of water and let the water come to a rolling boil, cover, lower the heat to the lowest setting, and let cook for 15 minutes. Remove the pot from the stove. Grab a piece of paper towel large enough to cover the pot. Add the caramelized onions to the top of the rice and place the paper towel flat on the pot before placing the lid on top. Let sit for 10 minutes (your stove should be off at this point). Fluff and mix in the onions before serving.

MDARDARA (LENTIL AND RICE PILAF)



Mdardara (lentil and Rice Pilaf) image

My stepmother is a North Lebanon native, and her version of this is a secret, but this recipe is just as good. It's nice and hearty, and good for toddlers and babies. Pureed, it's called Mjaddara, and the onions are still tender, and mixed in. From the Sahtain cookbook.

Provided by BigFatMomma

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup red lentil, washed and drained (or brown)
1 cup rice
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil (not extra virgin)
5 cups water
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Soak rice in hot water (not the 5 cups above--separate water) for 15 minutes, drain.
  • Stir fry onions in oil until golden brown, set aside to crisp and drain.
  • In the same pot, reserve 1 tbsp of the oil add water and lentils, and boil until lentils are tender, but still a little firm.
  • Add the rice, salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil again.
  • Lower the heat and simmer until the water is absorbed.
  • Serve hot or cold.

LENTIL RICE PILAF



Lentil Rice Pilaf image

Make and share this Lentil Rice Pilaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by PanNan

Categories     Rice

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/3 cup dried lentils
1 cup long grain rice
8 green beans, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 green onions with tops, sliced
1/3 cup minced carrot (1/2 medium)
1 medium shallot, minced
2 teaspoons minced ginger
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Bring lentils to a boil in a 2 qrt saucepan with 2 cups water.
  • Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, trim and discard ends from green beans; cut into 1/2" pieces.
  • Slice green onions.
  • Mince carrot, shallot and ginger.
  • Drain lentils and set aside.
  • Heat oil in 2 qt saucepan over medium heat.
  • Saute green onions, shallot and ginger in oil 2 minutes.
  • Stir in rice; saute 2 more minutes.
  • Add 2 1/4 cups water.
  • Stir in lentils, green beans and carrot; bring to a boil, cover pot and cook 15 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  • Let stand 5 minutes off heat.
  • Stir in salt and serve while hot.

MUJADDARA ARABIC LENTIL RICE



Mujaddara Arabic Lentil Rice image

Enjoy a great tasting dish to share with family and friends. Special dish for vegetarians, and one of our favorite meals. Instead of placing the onion on top you can mix it along with the lentils and rice before serving. It makes a perfect meal with a fresh green salad. Also you can use 2 cups of vegetable broth instead of 2 cups of water to cook the lentils.

Provided by Osiris (Rodizer)

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Rice     Beans and Rice Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
¾ cup white rice, rinsed
¾ cup water
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup vegetable oil
3 white onions, sliced into 1/4-inch rings

Steps:

  • Combine the lentils, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, the cumin, and garlic powder in a pot over medium heat; bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook until the lentils begin to soften, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Stir the rice, 3/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, and the olive oil into the lentils. Cover the pot and continue cooking until the lentils and rice are tender, about 40 minutes.
  • Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook the onions in the oil until browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Spread the onions over the rice and lentil mixture to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 371.2 calories, Carbohydrate 49.8 g, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 12.2 g, Protein 11.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 788.2 mg, Sugar 5.8 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality lentils and rice. Fresh, whole lentils and fluffy, long-grain rice will produce the best results.
  • Rinse the lentils and rice thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any dirt or debris and help the lentils and rice cook evenly.
  • Use a flavorful broth. Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth will add depth of flavor to the pilaf. If you don't have any broth on hand, you can use water, but the flavor will be less intense.
  • Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices before adding the lentils and rice. This will help to develop their flavor and create a more flavorful pilaf.
  • Cook the pilaf over medium-low heat. This will prevent the lentils and rice from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Let the pilaf rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the pilaf to absorb any excess liquid.

Conclusion:

Mdardara lentil and rice pilaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It's a great way to use up leftover lentils and rice, and it's also a healthy and affordable meal. With its combination of lentils, rice, vegetables, and spices, mdardara is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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