Megadarra (Brown Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions)

I really wanted to like this - I love lentils, and enjoy simple foods like this, they are very comforting. It just didnt quite do it. It isn't bad, it just isn't all that good. I don't think we'll make it through the abundant leftovers before we get sick of it and throw the rest out. I'll likely try this one more time and tinker with some flavorings. I also don't think I cooked the lentils long enough, they weren't very tender. I think I'd like something more in the texture of dal, and serve over the rice, not cooked with it. I did add some cumin, cardamom, and garlic, but will add a lot more if I try it again. Seems like such a simple, inexpensive, homey, healthy filling dish, if I can just get a little more flavor and better texture.

One word...BLAND!!!!!

Traditional mjadara also includes cardamom, pinch of ground cinnamon, and ground cumin. Those ingredients will kick up the flavor of the dish and prevent the mjadara from being bland. Without some spices, this is pretty tasteless.