So I went to the ktichen this evening in full knowledge that, apart from a lot of random ingredients for baking, there was really nothing inspiring for me to choose from. There were some chicken thighs in the fridge for sure and though I do love the simplicity and basic scrumptiousness of roast chicken, this evening I wasn't quiet satisfied with the idea of roast chicken and salad - generally a Monday favourite of mine. Opening up the cupboard I stood there and just this once I wish I had thought about Monday's dinner. It's not so much that I couldn't come up with something out of whatever the cupboard had to offer it was more the fact that, it was Monday!!! and I really didn't want to think about cooking, hence why roast chicken and salad is my favourite Monday dinner :) Alas, there in front of me, well not quite as it was actually at the back of the cupboard however there was very little in it's way to block our meeting, were some lentils!! I know, I hear what you say, "lentils!!" not really something to get excited about. However, since my days of traveling to and from Israel they have a similar resonance for me as (being Irish) potatoes do. I know, I know, snigger as you may but it's all about homeliness, wholesomeness, almost comfort food - though granted most of us go for ice-cream or chcocolate these days for comfort food, as do I, but this is something with a longer last effect, this is a meal. This, in essence, is what Monday's need after all!!
Now all I needed was rice, bingo! there it was; although to no surprise as there is always rice in my cupboard - it's dried so it keeps much longer than potatoes do ;) So that was it, Majadra it was going to be. Majadra a middle eastern dish made primarliy up of rice, lentils, onion and some spices. That, with the roast chicken was the perfect answer to my Monday dinner woes.
Now, don't get me wrong, when I say it's a perfect Monday dinner I do not mean it to be bland! quiet the contrary. It can just be rather simple to put together and, as I have just figured, it's always good to have rice and lentils stored somewhere at the back of the cupboard.
This dish has many different variations depending on the country and even region within the middle east, even the name can differ - mine is an interpretation from an Israeli friend
All you need is:
Chicken thighs - I use 2 per person
Rice (I prefer brown but it's Monday, right? so what ever is there) - 1 cup
Lentils - 1 cup
Onion - 1 large cut into slices
Cumin ground - 1 tsp
Cinnamon ground - 1/4 tsp
Paprika ground - 1/4 tsp
olive oil
knob of butter
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
For the Majadra
cook the rice (as per instructions on pack)
cook lentils (again as per instructions on pack)
Caramelise the onions - it's common to lightly fry the onion for this dish but I prefer them caramelised for extra flavour.
Take onions off the heat and season with spices.
Mix lentils, rice and onions together and season with salt and pepper (traditionally the onions are set on top of the lentil and rice mix but again I prefer to just mix it all together, to work the flavours through
There is your Majadra!!
For the roast chicken
Place chicken thighs in a bowl, drizzle balsamic vinegar over them to coat, season with salt and pepper and mix with your hand to evenly coat the thighs.
Put thighs on to a baking tray and place a knob of butter on each thigh.
Cook in a preheat oven at 190 degrees C and cook for 40 mins
and there you have your roast chicken with majadra
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