Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey through Greek cuisine with the most satisfying and soul-warming dish you'll ever taste! Moudjentra isn't just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of flavor and nutrition. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone craving a hearty vegetarian delight, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Greece.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the onions, stirring continuously for 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the lentils and stir to coat them with the onion and spice mixture, allowing them to toast slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, add the rice to the pot, stirring to combine with the lentils. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue cooking, covered, for an additional 15-18 minutes or until both the rice and lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and any remaining liquid to be absorbed.
- Fluff the mixture gently with a fork before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent grittiness in your final dish.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Toast the lentils and spices briefly to enhance their natural flavors before adding liquid.
- Keep the heat low and steady during simmering to achieve perfectly tender lentils and rice.
- Let the dish rest after cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop and the grains to absorb any remaining moisture.
- For extra richness, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding a splash of good quality olive oil before serving.
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh parsley, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or crispy fried onions to elevate the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
