Description
Mujaddara bi Fasolia, a Lebanese kidney beans and bulgur stew, is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with plant-based protein and fiber. This vegan-friendly recipe is made with hearty kidney beans, coarse bulgur, and deeply caramelized onions for a rich, savory flavor. Perfect for meal prep, it can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with plain yogurt, pita bread, and fresh greens. Gluten-free options are also available. Try this Middle Eastern classic for a wholesome, budget-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2½ cups dried kidney beans
- 2 large onions, finely minced
- 1 cup coarse bulgur
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or additional olive oil for frying)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups warm water
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Soak and Boil the Beans:
- Soak kidney beans in water overnight to soften.
- Drain and rinse the beans.
- In a pot, cover the beans with fresh water and bring to a boil for 5–10 minutes, then drain and discard the water.
- Refill the pot with 4 cups of warm water and bring to a gentle boil.
-
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat ⅓ cup vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely minced onions and sauté for 15–20 minutes until caramelized and crispy.
- Discard the excess oil from the pan.
-
Combine Onions and Beans:
- Pour 2 cups of boiling water from the beans into the caramelized onions.
- Boil for 10–15 minutes until the water turns a deep caramel color.
- Transfer the onion mixture back into the pot with the beans and continue boiling for 15–20 minutes over medium heat.
-
Add Bulgur and Final Cooking:
- Stir in ¼ cup olive oil and the coarse bulgur.
- Add ½ teaspoon salt and mix well.
- Let the stew boil for another 10–15 minutes until thickened.
-
Serve:
- Serve hot or cold with plain yogurt, fresh greens (like raw onions, green onions, or radishes), and pita bread.
Notes
- Feel free to swap bulgur with quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free version.
- If you'd like a spicier dish, add cumin, cinnamon, or allspice.
- You can skip the frying and caramelize the onions with a splash of water for an oil-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
