Mujadara -- a pilaf-like combination of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions -- may be the ultimate Middle Eastern comfort food. Stuffed into roasted squash, the simple, humble dish takes on a new flavor dimension, and gets dressed up enough to make the perfect side dish or vegetarian entree for holiday meals or dinner parties. 

Tips: Caramelized onions make this dish, but they require a bit of patience and a watchful eye. Don't try to rush them -- low  heat and slow cooking is the way to go! On the upside, you can make the rice and lentils while the onions are caramelizing and the squash is roasting, so the whole dish can come together in under an hour. 

Not feeling fancy? Skip the squash and just make the mujadara. Serve in shallow bowls with hot sauce, a drizzle of olive oil, and a salad. 

See Also

Butternut Squash and Leek Lasagna (Dairy or Pareve)

Moroccan Lentil & Tomato Soup with Pasta (Harira)

Ellen’s Falafel with Pickled Vegetables & Minted Lemon Yogurt (Dairy or Pareve)