Can red lentils be used for mujadara?

Can red lentils be used for mujadara? - Side view of crop wistful female in casual wear and gold ring enjoying coke from red can while sitting near white wall and looking away

I feel like making some mujadara, but the only lentils I've got currently are red lentils - no green or brown lentils. Many recipes I've read have specifically said that red lentils are to be avoided, as they will lend themselves to a mushy consistency.

I understand that red lentils take less time to cook than green or brown lentils, but I don't understand why they supposedly won't work for mujadara. Would adding them into the pot with the rice later than most recipes call for work well? Since that would result in them cooking for less time. I ask in part because if substituting for red lentils in this way were so simple, I'd expect recipes would note it as a substitution, rather than specifically cautioning against it.



Best Answer

I think red lentils are just the insides of green/brown lentils. Without the seed coat, they disintegrate very quickly. That’s desirable for some applications but I think it would be a little unsatisfying in a mujadara where I enjoy the textural contrast between softer rice and more toothsome lentils.




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Can I use red lentils in Mujadara?

You can't go wrong with Lebanese red lentil mujadara, the ingredients are simple and inexpensive. Whether you are a fan of traditional Lebanese Mujadara or not, you should try this mujadara twist with red lentils! Just keep in mind that the lovely orange color of red lentils will fade a little after cooking.

Are red lentils the same as masoor?

Masoor dal is the same thing as red lentils, which are popular and easy to find at many grocery stores in the US. They're super cheap and cook quickly making them a great choice for a simple weeknight meal. This recipe is naturally gluten free, high in fiber and protein, low in fat and calories, and packed with flavor.

Are lentils a good substitute for rice?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database, lentils also have less fat per serving than rice, with 0.75 g to the 1.62 g found in brown rice. Vegetarians or diabetics often substitute lentils for rice for greater nutritional content per serving.

What is Red lentil?

Red lentils are a quick-cooking legume with a mild, subtly sweet flavor. They break down while cooking, which makes them perfect for savory dishes of all sorts. You can use red lentils in soups, stews, curries and even dips. Lentils also taste great on their own or mixed with roasted veggies.



How to make Lentil Mujaddara Safra - Easy 3-Ingredient Vegan Red Lentil Soup - Yellow Mjaddara




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