Mujadara Hamra — caramelizing onions to perfection
Lebanese lentils & bulgur paired with a refreshing farmer's salad
After testing a common Levantine Mujadara for my book Naturally Vegan and sharing the results online, I’ve received a bunch of messages urging me to try the popular lentil and bulgur version from the south of Lebanon. Once I tasted it, I understood why. The result is a combination of the rich flavor of slowly caramelized onions with the hearty nuttiness of brown bulgur — an absolute winner. Recipe here
The secret to a good Mujadara is to caramelize the onions until they turn beyond golden and into a dark brown. Trust me, when you think you're done, cook them a little longer. The moment they seem nearly burnt is what you're aiming for.
Salatet Fellahin (Lebanese Farmer’s Salad)
Mujadara Hamra is best enjoyed with a Lebanese farmer’s salad, allowing the tangy and fresh flavors to cut through the richness of the lentils and bulgur. After all, the best kind of food works in layers. Easily thrown together in under 20 minutes, it's a good staple to have up your sleeves.
Vegan Cultures in Sicily
Inspired by my trip to Sicily, I am working on Couscous con Verdure, a local classic with influences reaching back to the island’s Arab rule. Loaded with vegetables and chickpeas, my favorite part is the rich Mediterranean broth that the grains absorb, creating an incredibly scrumptious texture and flavor.
With that in mind it only feels right to share the Sicily episode with you before the full recipe is ready. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s packed with naturally vegan dishes — from the couscous to Palermo’s iconic street food called Pane e Panelle.
What I’m watching
Gomorrah
I know I’m extremely late to the game, especially since the final episode aired in 2021, but... better late than never. In today’s endless sea of streaming options, finding well-written TV feels rare. Ever since Breaking Bad and Narcos wrapped, I’ve been scraping the bottom of the barrel, hoping to (re-)discover a series I could actually look forward to.
Gomorrah delivers on every level. It follows one of the most notorious mafia families in Naples, and is grittier and more brutal than any Goodfellas or Sopranos rewatch. There’s no glamorising the mafia here. It’s raw, relentless and often revolting. But it’s an insight into what organised crime actually looks like — without the Hollywood glamour. If you haven’t seen it, I can’t recommend it enough.
I hope you enjoyed this round-up. I’ll be back on Friday with an exclusive Rome guide. Enjoy your week!
Much love,
Julius