Lentil Mujadara

Welcome to our kitchen, where in this recipe, classic Middle Eastern flavors meet vibrant aromas from the Caribbean!

Today, we're going to explore a unique twist on a classic Lentil Mujaddara. This dish is a delightful fusion of lentils, aromatic basmati rice, and a medley of spices that will transport your taste buds to the islands. With caramelized onions, sweet peppers, and a hint of jerk paste, every bite is a symphony of flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice, washed
• 1 cup lentils, green or brown
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2-4 medium onions, sliced
• 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 3 spring onions, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 sweet pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 lemon or lime wedges
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• Handful of parsley, chopped

Spices:

• 1 tsp pimento
• 1 tsp garlic pepper fusion
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp jerk paste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lentils and Rice: Wash the lentils and put them to boil with a pinch of salt. Wash the rice and add it to the boiling lentils. Cook until both are tender, simmering on a medium to low heat for 15 - 20 mins.
   
   
2. Caramelize the Onions: In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté the sliced onions with a pinch of sea salt and 1 tsp of brown sugar to help caramelize them. Once caramelized, set them aside.
   
   
3. Prepare the Vegetables and Spices: In the same pan used for the onions, sauté the spring onions and garlic. Add all the spices: pimento, black pepper, cinnamon, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, turmeric, cumin seeds, and garlic granules. Add the chopped sweet pepper and sundried tomatoes to the pan. Sauté until tender.
   
   
4. Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked rice and lentils with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Add 1 tsp of jerk paste if you like it spicy.
   
   
5. Finish and Garnish: Stir in the caramelized onions and fresh diced spring onions. Garnish with a handful of chopped parsley and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Add lemon or lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
   
   

Tips and Variations

• Adjust Spiciness: For a milder version, reduce the amount of jerk paste or omit the red pepper flakes. Add extra jerk paste or a chopped fresh chili for more heat.

• Additional Vegetables: Incorporate diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.