Instant Pot Lentils & Rice (Mujadara)
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Soaking time
1 hr
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
222 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Instant Pot Lentils & Rice (Mujadara)
Description
Instant Pot Lentils & Rice, known as Mujadara, combines soaked brown lentils and basmati rice with warm spices like coriander, cumin, and cinnamon. The recipe starts with sautéing sliced onions until browned and crisped, which are set aside as a garnish. Then diced onions and garlic are cooked with the spices, creating a fragrant base. Lentils are briefly boiled to soften, followed by adding rice and pressure cooking the mixture.
The result is a soft but not mushy balance of lentils and rice with a subtle warmth from the spices. The crunchy browned onions served on top add a contrasting texture and savory-sweet flavor, characteristic of Mujadara.
Serving this dish is simple; it can stand as a vegetarian main or a side. The flavors are moderate, leaving room for accompaniments or garnishes like fresh cilantro. The pressure cooker method reduces cooking time and simplifies the process without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Notes suggest soaking the lentils helps synchronization of cooking times with rice. Adjusting spice levels is optional depending on preference. There are variations for brown rice with adapted soaking and pressure cooking times.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil to saute onions (divided, generic cooking oil
- 1/2 onion sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 onion diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic minced
- 3/4 cup brown lentil Whole Masoor Dal
- 2 cups water for cooking
- 3/4 cup basmati rice
- 1/4 cup cilantro to garnish (optional)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder aka Jeera powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the brown lentils for 1 hour in warm water.
- Heat the instant pot in saute mode and add 1 tbsp of oil in it. Add the sliced onions and saute them for about 5 minutes until they brown and are slightly crisp on the edges. Take them out and save for later.
- Add 1 tbsp of oil to the instant pot. Add the diced onions and garlic. Saute till they lightly brown for about 3 minutes. Add the ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon and salt.
- Stir in the lentils and water. Let it boil for about 6-7 minutes. This will help the lentils to get softer before we add rice.
- Add the rice and stir well. Press cancel and close lid with vent in sealing position.
- Cook on Rice mode. Instant Pot set the cooking time to 12 minutes at low pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 mins, then release manually (10 minute NPR). Press cancel and take the steel insert out of the instant pot.
- Fluff the lentils and rice with a fork. Top the rice with the caramelized sliced onions and cilantro. Enjoy with a side of yogurt and salad.
Notes
- Soak the brown lentils for about an hour to ensure they cook evenly with the rice.
- Caramelized sliced onions add important texture and flavor; consider preparing them simultaneously if pressed for time.
- Adjust spices according to your heat and flavor preference.
- For brown basmati rice, soak it for two hours and modify cooking time to 15 minutes at low pressure with natural release.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 222 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 222kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Sodium | 396mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 292mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 55IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2.2mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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