MUJADDARA

SERVES 4 TO 6 PORTIONS

3⁄4 cup (144 g) (5.1oz) dry green lentils, rinsed and picked through

3⁄4 cup (150 g) (5.3oz) dry brown jasmine rice, rinsed and picked through

3 cups (705 ml) vegetable broth

1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or melted coconut oil

2 white onions, chopped (10 ounces, or 340 g)

1 leek, thoroughly cleaned and sliced thinly, white and light green parts

6 ounces, or 170 g Vegetable broth or water, as needed

4 cloves garlic, grated, or pressed 1⁄2 tsp fine sea salt, or to taste

1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon

1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

1⁄2 tsp ground coriander

1⁄2 tsp paprika

1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste

2 tbsp (12 g) (0.42oz) chopped fresh mint

2 tbsp (8 g) (0.28oz) chopped fresh parsley or (2 g) (0.71oz) cilantro Zest and juice of a small organic lemon

1⁄4 cup (35 g) (1.2oz) chopped toasted peanuts, cashews, or pine nuts, optional

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Calories: 292kcal
Fat: 8.3g (0.9g S.Fat)
Carbs: 41.4g
Protein: 12.3g
Sugar: 5.2g
Sodium: 1079mg

METHOD

In a rice cooker, combine the lentils and rice. Add the broth and stir to combine. Cook, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. (Alternatively, cook the lentils and rice on the stovetop according to the package directions.)

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the onions and leeks are browned, about 15 minutes.

If the onions stick to the pan during this time, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time. Stir in the garlic, salt, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the onions are crisped, and the spices are toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Place the lentils and rice in a large mixing bowl and top with the spiced onions; gently fold the onions into the lentils and rice. When ready to serve, fold the mint, parsley or cilantro, zest, and lemon juice into the mujaddara and top with nuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It's worth noting that this dish tastes even better after it's sat for a while. Before serving, gently reheat.