Lentils And Bulgur Wheat Pilaf Mujaddara Hamra Food

MUJADARA HAMRA (LENTILS & BULGUR)

Steps:

• Check lentils for stones that need to be discarded
• Wash and soak for a couple of hours (I do this to speed up the cooking process)
• After soaking lentils, discard and wash lentils to rid any excess sediment
• Place lentils in a large pot with water, bring to boil
• Cover the pot of lentils and simmer over low heat about 10 minutes or until lentils are par cooked.
• Drain par cooked lentils in a colander and save liquid. You will use this later
• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat
• Cook the onions for about 30-40 minutes, stirring every few minutes until they are dark golden brown. (You'll need to be patient for this step - the onions must be like this as the dish relies on the taste of the caramelised onion)
• Once onions are a dark golden colour, pour the liquid from the lentils into the onions and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to combine.
• Add the cooked lentils, salt (to taste) and cracked wheat (bulgur), stir through thoroughly.
• Cover the saucepan and cook over very low heat for 25-30 minutes.

MUJADARA: LENTILS AND RICE WITH CRISPY ONIONS

Steps:

• Place the lentils in a small saucepan with 2 cups of the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat and simmer, cover until the lentils are par-boiled (10-12 minutes). Remove from the heat, drain the lentils and set them aside.
• In a large saute pan with a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until the onions are dark golden brown, darker than typical caramelized onions (about 40 minutes), sprinkle the onions with a teaspoon of salt as they cook.
• Carefully pour the remaining 2 cups of water, bring the water to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir the rice and par-cooked lentils into the onion mixture. Add a good dash of kosher salt, black pepper, and the cumin.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice and lentils are both cooked through (about 15 to 20 minutes).
• If you are adding the the fried onions, work on them while the rice and lentils are cooking. In a large skillet, heat about 2 to 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. When a small piece of onion bubbles vigorously, the oil is ready. Fry the onions in batches until they are crispy and deeply golden brown. Transfer the crispy onion rings to a paper towel-lined plate to get rid of excess oil.
• Let the rice and lentils rest covered for about 10 minutes undisturbed, then garnish with parsley and transfer to serving bowls. Top each bowl with the crispy onion rings.

BULGUR MUJADARA

Steps:

• Make the mujadara: Bring lentils and 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot over high. Reduce heat to low and simmer until lentils are partly cooked, 12 to 18 minutes. Taste a lentil to see if it's tender but still has a bite. The timing depends on the lentil variety: Black and le Puy need the most time; green needs the least. Remove from heat.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium-high. Add the onions and cook, stirring regularly, until deep golden brown and starting to crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. It is important to get them to this point because dark onions give mujadara its distinctive dark color and flavor. Onions go from deep brown to burned very quickly, so be sure to remove from the heat before they burn.
• Pour the onions with the oil over the lentils, and stir in the salt and cumin. Add the bulgur, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to lowest setting and simmer, covered, until fully cooked, 10 to 15 minutes. Check on the mujadara periodically: If the bulgur and lentils are not fully cooked but the water has evaporated, add a few tablespoons of water and continue to cook until done. Place a tea towel or paper towels under the lid and let sit for 15 minutes.
• If you are making the optional topping, prepare it while the mujadara rests: Heat about 1 inch vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium to 350 degrees or until a small morsel of bread bubbles and immediately rises to the top. Cut the onion in half and slice through the core to create very thin crescents. Place onions in a medium bowl, sprinkle with the cornstarch and toss to combine. Working in small batches, carefully add to hot oil and fry, stirring occasionally for even browning, until crisp and golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels until dry and crispy, about 2 minutes.
• To serve, transfer mujadara to a serving platter and top with crispy onions, if using.

BULGUR & LENTIL PILAF

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils& put in a pot with enough broth to cover.
• Add bay leaf, bring to a boil& keep covered.
• Turn off heat& let stand for 30 minutes.
• While the lentils are soaking, melt margarine in a heavy pot.
• Add chopped onion, salt& pepper.
• Saute till onions are tender& transparent.
• When onions are ready, keep heat at medium, stir in bulgur& continue stirring till all the margarine is absorbed.
• Lower heat to a simmer& add the rest of the broth& lentils in their broth.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat again, cover tightly& simmer till all the liquid has been absorbed.
• Add more liquid till the bulgur& lentils are cooked.
• Remove bay leaf& serve.

BULGUR WHEAT AND LENTIL PILAF

Steps:

• Wash and pick over the lentils. Place them in a saucepan with the water, bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain the lentils immediately and set them aside.
• Put the chicken stock in the saucepan, bring to a boil, add the bulgur wheat, salt and drained lentils and bring to a boil again. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over low heat in a large, preheated skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring often, for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Add the bulgur-lentil mixture to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with a green salad.