Mujaddara is a traditional dish with a long history in Middle Eastern cuisine. Its origins are believed to date back thousands of years, and it is enjoyed in various forms across the Middle East, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt.
Ingredients:
• 1.5cup brown lentils
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cup bulgur wheat ( medium grind)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water
Instructions:
1. Cook the lentils:
o Rinse the lentils and place them in a pot with 4 cups of water.
o Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until lentils are just tender (not mushy).
o Drain excess water if needed.
2. Caramelize the onions:
o While the lentils cook, heat the olive oil in a large pan.
o Add the sliced onions and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized (about 25–30 minutes).
o Reserve a handful of onions for garnish, if desired.
3. Combine bulgur and lentils:
o Once lentils are cooked, add the bulgur, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using) to the pot with lentils.
o Pour in 1 to 1 ½ cups of boiling water (enough to cook the bulgur but not make it soupy).
o Cover and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, or until bulgur is tender and water is absorbed.
4. Add onions and mix:
o Stir in the caramelized onions and mix well.
o Let it sit covered for another 10 minutes off the heat to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve:
o Top with the reserved crispy onions.
o Serve warm or at room temperature with plain yogurt, salad, or pickles.
Zaatar Manakeesh
Zaatar Manakeesh is a Mediterranean flatbread that is made with a simple dough recipe and topped with an olive-oil based zaatar spread.
Zaatar is a middle eastern spice blend that’s primarily made with sumac, thyme and sesame seeds.
In other regions in the Middle East, zaatar spice blends also include cumin, oregano and marjoram. While you can make zaatar on your own, I’ve actually never made it because it’s easy to find it in Middle Eastern stores .
Make the zaatar mixture:
o In a small bowl, mix the zaatar and olive oil into a paste.
Preheat oven:
o Preheat your oven to 400°F . If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while heating.
o Spread 1–2 tablespoons of the zaatar mixture over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edge.
o Bake each flatbread for 6–8 minutes or until the edges are golden and slightly puffed.
o Serve warm or at room temperature, often with fresh vegetables, labneh, olives, or mint tea.
Dining and Cooking