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Instant Pot Lentils & Rice (Mujadara)
4.8 from 309 votes

Instant Pot Lentils & Rice (Mujadara)

Instant Pot Lentils & Rice (Mujadara) is a hearty dish featuring brown lentils and basmati rice cooked together with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and caramelized onions. The lentils are soaked first and briefly boiled before pressure cooking to ensure softness. The sautéed onions add a crispy texture contrasted with the tender rice and lentils, offering warm earthy flavors and a softly spiced profile. This recipe brings a comforting, filling meal using an efficient pressure cooker method.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Soaking time
1 hr
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 222 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse and soak the brown lentils for 1 hour in warm water. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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. 
  5. Add the rice and stir well. Press cancel and close lid with vent in sealing position. 
  6. 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. 
  7. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 222

% 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.