Monday 26 November 2018

Have A Middle Eastern Feast With Magadra – A Signature Dish


Let us introduce you to another typical Israeli dish - Magadra which is popular throughout neighboring countries as well. Magadra, a simple and comforting dish made with rice and lentils, is popular all through out the Arab world. This authentically traditional Israeli lentil dish is also sometimes written as mujadarra, mujadara, magadra or mejadra. Call it whatever you like, this healthy comfort food has been pleasing palates and filling bellies since Biblical times.



This traditional, classic dish is a combination of rice, lentils, and onions, where the rice and lentils are steamed together with spices before adding freshly fried crunchy onions. The main flavor comes from caramelized onions, fried to the point of golden brown. This gives the rice a beautiful depth, both in color and taste. The awesome combination of freshly cooked rice, Middle Eastern spices, lentils and caramelized onions is as comforting as it can be. Who knew such simple ingredients could taste so dynamic?

Magadra is virtually no oil vegan Middle Eastern feast which is filled with rich flavors and history. It is a great supplement for a big Mediterranean meal, or a meal by its own as it’s full of proteins and delicious. It can be enjoyed on its own, or as a comforting side of falafel. It is a hearty vegan option. Magadra works for pretty much everyone – It is filling, tasty, versatile, healthy and cheap–that it’s a wonder we do not eat them every day. They’re high in calcium, potassium, zinc, niacin and vitamin K and even higher in protein, iron, folate and dietary fiber.

This signature Middle Eastern dish of lentils and rice garnished with crunchy onions is known more as “poor man’s food,” or peasant food because of its cheap and staple ingredients. But don’t underestimate this dish: the caramelized onions and the hint of cumin give the Magadra a strong wholesome flavor and once you start eating it, you cannot stop. You will love the warmth this dish brings to your body. Complex in history and culture, this cuisine exudes charm in its simplicity and authenticity of ingredients and preparation. It’s yummy, filling, and good for you.

This uncomplicated concoction of spiced lentils and rice, most often served with a generous swirl of tahini sauce and a topping of fried onions, is an all time favorite of Israeli people. It also figures prominently on the menu at Habayit. A heavily spiced blend of lentils, rice, and fried onions is a perfect bowl of comfort food. This time when you visit Habayit kosher restaurant in Los Angeles, wolf into a bowl of Mujadara - a complete one-dish meal of rice and lentils gently flavored with sweet and earthy spices like cinnamon and cumin and topped with crispy fried onions. This classic, simple and delicious Middle Eastern rice and lentil dish can be both a satisfying and complete one-dish main course.

It can be daunting to look at a menu filled with words that you’ve never seen before, but most of us love to try new dishes from time to time.  Habayit kosher restaurant offers a variety of American-Israeli cuisines featuring delicious spices, incredible flavors and fresh ingredients.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to try any of these kosher dishes before, learn about them first and get your mouth watering before making your way to Habayit Israeli style restaurant in SantaMonica!