Megadarra

Here is a modern version of a medieval dish called mujadarra, described by al-Baghdadi as a dish of the poor, and still known today as Esau’s favourite. In fact, it is such a great favourite that although said to be for misers, it is a compliment to serve it.

An aunt of mine used to present it regularly to guests with the comment: ‘Excuse the food of the poor!’ – to which the unanimous reply always was: ‘Keep your food of kings and give us megadarra every day!’