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Israeli Couscous (Ptitim) Mujadara

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

A new twist on a traditional Middle Eastern favorite side.

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Food 4 Thought
The Hebrew word for salt has the same letters as the Hebrew word for forgiveness. It looks like this. The letters are the same, just in a different order: Salt: מלח (M-L-Ch) Forgiveness: מחל (M-Ch-L) While adding salt to dishes, consider who you need to forgive and, perhaps, from whom you need to ask for forgiveness. .Learn more about how different ingredients symbolize fundamental aspects of life.

Mujadara, also known as Majadara, is a Middle Eastern dish traditionally made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. This variation with Israeli couscous, otherwise known as Ptitim, adds a different texture to the dish while maintaining the delicious flavors of Mujadara.

Ingredients

Servings 8
  • ½ cup green/brown lentils
  • 2 cups water 480ml
  • 1 ¼ cups Israeli couscous 230 grams
  • 1 ¾ cups boiling water or boiling vegetable broth 400ml
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided (60ml)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste
Instructions

Nutritional Facts

Nutrition Facts
Israeli Couscous (Ptitim) Mujadara
Amount per Serving
Calories
213
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Sodium
 
156
mg
7
%
Potassium
 
195
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
 
30
g
10
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
7
g
14
%
Vitamin A
 
8
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
23
mg
2
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Instructions

Cook lentils:

  • Rinse the lentils under cold water and remove any debris.
  • In a medium-sized pot, combine the lentils with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat, and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.

Cook Israeli Couscous:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Toast the couscous in the saucepan for a few minutes until it becomes lightly golden.
  • Carefully! Pour in the boiling water or vegetable broth and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Turn off the heat and refrain from opening the lid for 10 minutes.
  • Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.

Caramelize onion:

  • While the lentils and couscous are cooking, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, cumin, garlic powder, turmeric, cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is caramelized and golden brown. This may take about 10-15 minutes.

Serve:

  • Once the lentils and couscous are cooked, combine them in a large bowl and mix well.
  • Gently fold in the caramelized onions and serve warm or at room temperature.

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Liliana
Liliana
2 years ago

May you freeze leftovers?

tamarg
tamarg
2 years ago
Reply to  Liliana

Sure, it will freeze well.

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