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Mujadara Recipe (Instant Pot & Stovetop) Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

Mujadara is a flavorful and hearty Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized shallots. This recipe offers two cooking methods—Instant Pot for quick preparation and stovetop for a traditional approach—producing a comforting, protein-rich meal that’s seasoned with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice. It is perfect for a wholesome vegetarian dinner served with fresh garnishes and a drizzle of olive oil or yogurt-based sauces.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup large brown lentils (do not use split lentils)
  • 1 cup brown basmati rice (rinsed and drained)
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint or parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)

Fresh Ingredients

  • 2-3 fat shallots, thinly sliced (or 1 red onion)
  • 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • Lemon zest from one small lemon

Liquids and Oils

  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups water (adjusted from 3 ½ cups for white rice)

Optional Garnishes

  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Tomatoes
  • Avocado
  • Caramelized shallots
  • Sprouts
  • Yogurt or zhoug yogurt or harissa yogurt
  • Tahini sauce
  • Fresh parsley or mint

Instructions

  1. Soak Lentils (Instant Pot Version): Place the lentils in a bowl and cover with hot tap or boiling water, allowing them to soak while you prepare other ingredients.
  2. Saute Shallots (Instant Pot Version): Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Saute’ function. Add olive oil and shallots, stirring constantly for 4-5 minutes until tender, fragrant, and slightly caramelized. Remove half of the shallots to use as a topping later.
  3. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the roughly chopped garlic to the pot and saute for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in cumin, coriander, allspice, cinnamon, turmeric (if using), ground ginger, kosher salt, dried herbs, lemon zest, and water.
  4. Add Lentils and Rice: Drain the soaked lentils and add them, along with rinsed rice, to the Instant Pot. Stir everything together well.
  5. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on High Pressure for 11 minutes. Once cooking is done, allow it to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes before opening.
  6. Prepare Garnishes: While the Mujadara cooks, prep any chosen garnishes such as fresh herbs, vegetables, or sauces.
  7. Serve: Gently fluff the Mujadara with a fork to avoid mushiness. Divide into bowls, drizzle with olive oil, and top with tomatoes, avocado, caramelized shallots, sprouts, yogurt or tahini sauces, and fresh parsley or mint.
  8. Par-cook Lentils (Stovetop Version): For large brown lentils, par-cook them in boiling water for 15 minutes to soften. Adjust timing if using other lentil varieties according to their cooking times.
  9. Caramelize Shallots (Stovetop Version): Heat olive oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Saute the shallots, stirring often until golden and caramelized, then remove half for garnish.
  10. Combine Ingredients (Stovetop Version): Drain lentils and add them back to the pot along with rinsed rice, spices, salt, and water. Bring to a simmer.
  11. Simmer Covered: Cover tightly and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure lentils and rice are tender. Add more water if needed and cook a few extra minutes until done.
  12. Prepare Garnishes (Stovetop Version): While cooking, prepare your desired garnishes as mentioned above.
  13. Serve (Stovetop Version): Fluff the Mujadara gently with a fork, then serve divided among bowls with olive oil drizzles and chosen toppings like caramelized shallots, fresh herbs, yogurt, tahini, or other sauces.

Notes

  • Use only whole large brown lentils for best texture; do not use split lentils as they become mushy.
  • If using white basmati rice instead of brown, reduce water slightly to 3 cups for proper cooking.
  • Par-cooking lentils on stovetop shortens final cooking time and ensures even texture.
  • Be careful not to over-stir Mujadara after cooking to prevent it from turning mushy.
  • Optional garnishes like yogurt or zhoug yogurt add a fresh, tangy contrast to the savory dish.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/mujadara-recipe-instant-pot-and-stovetop-recipe/