Mujadara

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We discovered mujadara at a middle eastern cafe, Zadna, as the tasty base for a hearty mediterranean veggie falafel bowl. Essentially, mujadara is cooked grains + lentils + onion with spices, making it a high protein grain base that's pairs nicely with Indian vegetable dishes and veggie stir fries. It's also super easy to make. Below is a variation with more Indian spicing; I also like mixing quinoa and rice as the grain for some extra protein and variation.

Ingredients

1 T canola oil
1-2 onions, chopped (yes, that much!)

Spices; I like these, but be creative:
2 tsp cumin seed
2 tsp nigella (black cumin; good for you!)
1 tsp chili pwd or dried hot pepper (break in half)
3 cloves garlic, diced (sometimes :)
1 tsp salt

2 1/2 C water
2/3 C lentils, soaked (I like black beluga; vary as you like)
1 C bulgur wheat (great!)
or
1/2 C rice (white or brown)
1/2 C quinoa (or can use all rice)

Instructions

Rinse the lentils and put them in water to soak. Chop the onions, and saute in oil with spices in the Instant Pot for about 10 minutes. Add soaked lentils and grains along with water to the pot. Cook on Rice setting for 5 minutes. Serve!

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