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Instant Pot Mujadara is served with lemon slices.

Instant Pot Mujadara Recipe

Heather Kasvinsky
Mujadara is a traditional Arab recipe and is typically made with rice, lentils, and aromatic herbs. Instant pot mujadara is a quick and easy version of this classic Middle Eastern dish, made in your pressure cooker.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 cup pre-soaked lentils see notes
  • 2 large onions diced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic or 2-3 cloves of garlic
  • 3 cups water
  • 1.5 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 inch piece of cinnamon stick or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

TOPPINGS

  • 1 large onion, sliced thin into halves or rounds
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt

SIDES

  • 1 cup plain whole yogurt or plant-based yogurt
  • 2 tbsp minced cilantro or mint
  • 1 lemon, sliced into 8 wedges

Instructions
 

  • Soak lentils for 1 hour in hot water (enough to cover the lentils).
  • Drain and rinse lentils after soaking.
  • Rinse the rice well until water runs clear.
  • Turn instant pot on to saute function.
  • Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and chopped onions. Sauté, stirring often for 5-7 minutes until onions are golden but not blackening.
  • Add minced garlic, cumin, salt, and cinnamon to the onions. Sauté for one minute, stirring.
  • Add lentils and water to the pot.
  • Bring lentils to a boil for 2-3 minutes and then add rice, stirring to mix. Bring everything back to a boil.
  • Turn off/cancel the sauté function and secure the lid.
  • Set instant pot to manual/high pressure for 10 minutes (see notes).
  • Let instant pot SLOW release naturally for 15 minutes.
  • To serve, gently fluff the lentils and rice with a fork and place on a platter, do not stir or you will mush the grains and legumes.

TOPPING

  • Meanwhile, while instant pot is under pressure, set a pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and the reserved sliced onions. Caramelize the onions over a 20-minute period, taking care to stir often. Add salt.

SIDE

  • Mix yogurt and herbs together in a small bowl and serve on the side with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Black lentils, masoor dal, or French green lentils can be used for this dish. A mix is fun for contrast. Soak time remains the same despite the size of the lentils. 
  • It takes a 6 qt pressure 4 minutes to come to pressure. Factor this into your cook time.
  • This can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen, reheated, and used as a healthy base for mid-week lunches.
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