Monday, September 26, 2016

Black Tie Moujendra (Mujadara)

Black Tie Moujendra (Mujadara)
This is, of course, a tongue-in-cheek recipe title. Moujendra is the very essence of "peasant cooking" -easy, healthy, frugal and filling. It's about as "Black tie" as Beanie Weenies ; )

But, basic Moujendra is a 5 ingredient dish (Lentils, Rice, Water, Salt, Onions) and there ARE wonderful ways to "dress it up," (in its little black tie) and make it yummier : )

(Just a little side note - this dish is made in many different countries - and each has its own spelling and special twists. I tend to go with the Greek variety) 

It's still easy, healthy, and frugal - and you can still make it on either slow cooker or stove top, but now it's the gourmet version.

Here's the method:

Black Tie Moujendra
Caramelize (or at least brown)
1 to 2 Tablespoons Oil (optional, but yummier)
1 or 2 chopped fresh onions
a couple of pinches of sugar over the onions (this is a chef's trick for easier caramelizing)
While Onions are cooking, add to pot or slow cooker
1 pound (2 1/2 cups) Brown or Green Lentils
1 1/4 cups Brown Rice
8 Cups water (you can start with boiling water to cook faster, or cold water for convenience)
1 Tablespoon Salt
2 Bay Leaves
1 teaspoon Oregano
1/2 Cup Shredded Carrots (I use my salad shooter for this job)
Add browned Onions (above)


Cover & cook on high till done – about 1 ½ hours if boiling water is used to start,
 or 2 ½ to 3 hours if starting with cold water.
If cooking in a pot on the stove top, simmer, stirring occasionally for about 45 minutes. (Don't stir TOO often or too vigorously- that could make it mushy)
This dish is done when lentils & rice are tender. If there seems to be a little too much liquid when lentils are tender, it will be absorbed if you let it stand for a bit after turning off the heat.

To serve, allow diners to garnish to their personal taste with their favorite fresh, raw veggies, onions, olives, capers, hot peppers, etc.

The Art of Homemaking Mondays
What'd You Do This Weekend? 
Teaching What is Good
Tuesdays with a Twist
Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural
Penny Pinching Party
Coffee & Conversation
Think Tank Thursday
Plant Based Potluck Party
 


7 comments:

  1. Never heard of this dish before, but I usually cook with all this ingredients I may try it. My family loves lentils. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit! Great to "meet" you! Hope your family enjoys it : )

      Delete
  2. Hope to see this or any other delicious dish at http://www.fabifabu.com/2016/09/25/inspiration-galore-project-party-5/ thanks

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  3. What a pleasure it will be to make your Black Tie Moujendra (Mujadara) in my own kitchen! I have always loved to work with lentils. It's a favorite of mine. I am so delighted that you shared this healthy and delicious recipe with us at the Plant-based Potluck Party. I'm Pinning and sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! You're such a sweet & gracious hostess! : )

      Delete

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