Needed a side dish to pair with our middle-eastern grilled chicken kebabs and wanted to use what we had on hand and found this. I really loved it but for my family,it was so-so because they're not much of a brown rice lover. Made little changes such as using tri-colored lentils (green, brown, & yellow) and chicken broth instead of water.
I have no idea what majadara is supposed to taste like. This is the first time I have ever had it but this recipe is fabulous! I substituted the fresh garlic for 1/16 tsp garlic powder (because that's what I had around the house). I think this will become one of our staples. YUMMY! Thank you for sharing!
I liked this dish. I added more spice to it however. I first tempered my spices by heating them in two tablespoons of oil. I didn't use cinnamon but I put in 3 small fresh curry leaves, 2-3 hefty teaspoons of cumin-coriander powder, a pinch of ground cardamom, and dash of tumeric. I sauteed the onions in this, then added the lentils and rice. Without additional spices it would have been too bland for my family, but the bones of the recipe are good and I would recommend it to others.
I used 3 1/2 cups of liquid
1cup rice 1cup lentils 2 1/2 cup water? After 30 min rice was crunchy added another half cup water and simmered for remaining 15 min still not tender added another half cup and continue to simmer also very salty had a great aroma
Turned out much better than I expected even though I didn't have a full cup of lentils to add in. Chicken stock to replace the water adds some extra flavor. 2 of my 3 kids ate it up happily so I count that a success!
First time: I made without the lentils and half the amount of pepper and it tasted great! With the lentils next time. Second time: included the lentils and after 55 minutes the lentils weren't cooked:( going to need to try over 65 minutes next time. The overall taste is very promising.
I loved the flavor. I think the recipe assumed that the lentils were soaked and thus full of water because the 2.5 cups is only enough for the rice. With the adjustment I'll make this again and again!
I made mine with quinoa blend ( I didn't have brown rice) & garnished with sautéed green beans & carrots in garlic butter sauce. Best meal ever
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