Cheats Mejadra

Cooking
45 mins

Mejadra is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that’s simple to make, affordable and incredibly flavourful. Using only a few basic ingredients, combined with warming spices, Mejadra is a beautiful mezze dish to serve alongside various breads, dips and salads, or it can be served as a standalone meal, topped with a dollop of thick yogurt. Leftovers are perfect for lunch or a picnic treat. By using our pre-soaked canned lentils, this 'Cheats' Mejadra recipe is super quick to prepare.

Thanks to Melanie Hadida of spice and green for the recipe and images.

Ingredients

250ml sunflower oil

2 medium onions, very thinly sliced

1 can brown lentils

1 tsp cumin

2 tsp coriander seeds

1 cup basmati rice

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp turmeric

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp white sugar

Salt & black pepper

2 cups water

Fresh coriander and lemon wedges to serve

Method

In a medium sized, heavy bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the sunflower oil on high heat and add half of the sliced onions. Fry for approximately 5 mins, until golden brown and crispy, stirring often. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with kitchen roll to absorb any excess oil. Fry the rest of the onions, transfer to the plate and season with a pinch of salt.

Drain the lentils in a colander and rinse well, under cold running water.

In a smaller, dry saucepan, add the cumin and coriander seeds and toast for a minute until they become aromatic.

Then add the rice, olive oil, turmeric, cinnamon, sugar, half a teaspoon of salt and plenty of black pepper. Stir to coat the rice in the oil and spices.

Add the lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover, then turn the heat to its lowest setting and simmer for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, remove from the heat, lift the lid and fluff with a fork.

Allow to cool slightly and then tip the spiced rice and lentils on to a large serving platter.

Top with the crispy onions, fresh coriander, lemon wedges and season to taste with salt and pepper. It’s delicious served hot or cold.