Mjaddara

Whenever i feel like cooking a vegetarian dinner mjaddara is one i opt for most often, it is very simple to make and doesn't involve using a lot of ingredients but it tastes divine. Mjaddar is a middle eastern dish usually cooked using burghul but i like to cook it with rice instead which is sometimes known as 'Mdardara' to differentiate between the two. This dish is usaully served with a green salad or yoghurt.

To start , pour your lentils on a tray or flat dish and pick out any stones or any undesirables. Then rinse the lentils well. Rinse your rice a couple of times and then soak it in water. In a small pot add your lentils and add enough water to cover, boil your lentils on medium heat until almost done. While your lentils are boiling, in a skillet , pour olive oil and set on low fire. Add onions to the skillet and cook till golden brown. When done, remove the onions and set aside and reserve the olive oil. When your lentils are done pour out the liquid , measure, and add enough to measure up to 2 cups. Drain the rice. In the same pot with the lentils add the rice, water, salt and spices. Bring the pot to the boil then let simmer till all liquid has evaporated. Once it's ready, fluff up the mjadara and add 2-3 table spoons of reserved olive oil. To serve, spoon mjadara onto a serving platter and top with onions. Serve with a green salad or some dressed yoghurt.

Ingredients:

1 cup brown lentils
1 cup long grained rice
2 cup water, plus more for boiling the lentils
1 pc  large onion, sliced into half moons
2 tsps salt
1 tsp cumin
dash black pepper
olive oil to fry onions