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    Home » Recipes » Mujadara Makhbousa (Vegan Messy Lentils)

    Mujadara Makhbousa (Vegan Messy Lentils)

    mujadara makhbousa or messy lentils

    Mujadara Makhbousa is the last of the basic lentils recipes you really should master, the others being mujadaret riz (with rice) mujadara hamra (reddened lentils) and lentil soup.

    This one is great for cold days when you need something warm and soothing but of course tastes just as great cold with some salad or yoghurt and cucumber.

    brown lentils

    I couldn't really find a good translation for 'makhbousa' so went with 'messy' lentils and so that is how this recipe shall be known.

    The lentils are cooked really well with rice and onions so they are almost overdone and form a paste.

    mujadara makhbousa

    This is my dad's favourite lentil recipe as he doesn't like dry gritty foods.

    This store cupboard recipe is such a staple in my mums house that we always overlook it's simple majesty as a warming filler upper and a humble go to dish that really should be appreciated more.

    I should take this moment to point out my radish flower crafting skills as can be seen in the picture below but actually, the messy lentils are the star of the show, just as they should be 😌

    mujadara makhbousa
    5 from 2 votes
    Print

    Mujadara Makhbousa (Messy Lentils)

    Lebanese 'messy' lentils cooked with rice

    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Lebanese
    Keyword vegan
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup brown lentils
    • ¼ cup short grain rice
    • 1 large onion
    • 1 teaspoon Salt (approx)
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    1. Put the lentils in a pot with 5 cups of cold water and bring to the boil
    2. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until done (approx 20 mins)

    3. Add the rice and keep cooking on a low heat (approx half an hour) until the rice and lentils thicken to form a loose risotto texture

    4. Add salt and pepper to lentils, taste and adjust

    5. In a separate pan, caramalise the onion in some regular olive oil on low heat, then add to the lentil rice mix
    6. Combine everything well and serve with salad and flatbreads

    how to make mujadara makhbousa

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    Teta

    Ahlen I'm Yosra, a Lebanon born - London based foodie. Welcome to my kitchen.

    Here you'll find recipes collected from my Lebanese Mama (pictured), some regional classics and some secret family recipes.

    More about me →

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