Falafel Mesdara
A hearty and flavorful dish combining crispy falafel with a savory lentil and rice pilaf, often served with a tahini-yogurt sauce. It's a comforting and complete meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown or green lentils
- 1 cup Rice (basmati or medium-grain)
- 2 large Onions(1 thinly sliced for topping, 1 chopped for pilaf)
- 0.5 cup Olive oil(divided)
- 3 cups Water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Coriander
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 package or equivalent Pre-made or homemade falafel mix
- 0.25 cup Tahini
- 0.25 cup Yogurt (plain)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 clove Garlic(minced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse lentils and rice thoroughly. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing mushiness. - 2
In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add the rinsed lentils, rice, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Toast the spices briefly to enhance their flavor. - 4
Pour in the water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils and rice are tender and liquid is absorbed.
⏱️ 25 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often. - 5
While the pilaf cooks, prepare the falafel according to package directions or your preferred recipe. Fry or bake until golden brown and crispy.
💡 Tip: Ensure falafel is cooked through and crispy. - 6
In a separate small bowl, whisk together tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to create the sauce. Add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
💡 Tip: Adjust seasoning to your preference. - 7
Caramelize the thinly sliced onion: In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and sweet, about 15-20 minutes.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for caramelized onions. - 8
To serve, spoon the lentil and rice pilaf onto plates. Top with crispy falafel, a generous drizzle of tahini-yogurt sauce, and a sprinkle of caramelized onions.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for best texture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water for the pilaf.
- ✓Add a pinch of turmeric to the pilaf for a golden hue.
- ✓Fresh parsley or cilantro can be chopped and mixed into the pilaf before serving.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the tahini sauce for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables.
- Incorporate cooked chickpeas into the pilaf for added protein.