two perfect sides for a fish or a full meal by its own means (just add yogurt)
- Big onion (sliced)
- cup of lentils (best soaked in water for a couple of hours/ overnight)
- cup of bulgur
- cumin
- three tomatoes
- one fresh hot chili
- one clove of garlic
- half a lemon
- olive oil
Majaderah is a Palestinian classic and also a “poor people dish” – onion, bulgur, and lentils with whatever the fridge has to offer. It can be served with chicken or fish, with pickles like jalapenos, olives, or pink cauliflower, but is a nutritious meal by its own means. Instead of bulgur, some people will use rice or freekeh, cumin can be replaced by cinnamon, any lentils will do for this dish. And here you go; Fry the onion rings in olive oil until they start browning. Take them out of the pot and use the remaining oil to fry the (drained) lentils for a minute or two. Add five cups of hot water, salt, and a little cumin. When the lentils are almost done, add the bulgur. It should soak the remaining water while cooking. Add water if necessary. Serve with the fried onion rings.
For the hot tomato salad, slice tomatoes, chop chili and garlic, make a dressing of salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Sounds easy? It is.