Middle Eastern Rice (Mejadra)

Middle Eastern Rice (Mejadra)
Middle Eastern Rice (Mejadra)
Mejadra is a fragrant Middle Eastern rice pilaf with crunchy fried onion throughout it. This is slightly adapted from a Yotam Ottolenghi recipe, from his wonderful cookbook Jerusalem. The main difference is that he uses dried lentils, I use canned. If you don't have time or don't want to deep fry, substitute the fried onions with Asian fried shallots, available from Asian stores and the Asian section of major supermarkets in Australia (Coles, Woolies). The taste is remarkably similar!
  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 4
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 cup basmati rice ((or long grain))
  • 1 1/4 cup / 315 ml water ((see notes))
  • 400 oz canned brown lentils drained (1 can) (, drained )
  • 3 large or 4 small onions ( very finely sliced)
  • 1 cup / 250 ml vegetable or sunflower oil
  • Carbohydrate 2.47418541802832 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Fat 2.29789083433524 g
  • Fiber 1.51787918472131 g
  • Protein 0.485561250146873 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.276714583442788 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (2842g)
  • Sodium 293.286583331377 mg
  • Sugar 0.956306233307009 g
  • Trans Fat 0.118993083343197 g
  • Calories 28 calories

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add about 1/3 of the onions and cook for 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining onions, in two batches. Put the olive oil, cumin seeds and coriander in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are fragrant. Add the rice and stir to coat with the oil and spices. Add the water and lentils. While it comes to boil, add all the other spices, salt and pepper. When it comes to a boil, turn it down to medium-low, cover with lid and let cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until all the liquid has mostly been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes - during this time, any residual liquid will absorb. Fluff rice with a from and adjust the seasoning with more salt if you wish. Just prior to serving, stir through most of the onions and top with remainder. Sprinkle with chopped coriander if desired. Best served warm.