Egyptian Lentils and Rice- Mujadara in the Instant Pot

Got brown lentils? You'll love the exotic, yet simple Middle Eastern plant-based entree that I make quickly and easily in the Instant Pot. Of course it is also gluten-free.

Mujadara has been a favorite meal in my family for generations. It's 

a simple Egyptian lentil and rice casserole that is tasty, nourishing, and easy to make. 

Previously, I've shared a recipe for making mujadara on the stove top; today I'm sharing a recipe for making this delicious dish in the Instant Pot. 

Eaten with a salad and some pita bread, mujadara makes a wonderful balanced plant-based meal that is high in protein, fiber and nutrients. It's a great cost-conscious meal for any weeknight dinner and even when serving guests.

I topped it with caramelized onion and freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, spiced with cumin and garlic and decorated with chopped tomato. 

Are you ready to dig in?  

Ingredients: 

4 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped

2 cups of soaked lentils (soak lentils overnight and drain)

2 cups of white rice, washed well

4 cups of water

1 cup of freshly chopped cilantro

Salt, cracked pepper, and cumin to taste

1/2 cup of freshly chopped cilantro

2 bay large leaves (remove before serving)

Topping: 

2 cups of onion slices, sautéed and caramelized

1/2 cup of fresh cilantro (additional from the recipe)

1 teaspoon of sesame seeds

1 cup of chopped tomato

Directions: 

Place garlic in the insert liner of the Instant Pot. Stir until soft. when the garlic begins to stick, add 2 teaspoons of water and stir for a

minute. Add lentils, rice , and coriander, water and seasonings. Mix and Secure lid. Set to pressure cook on the rice setting. When done, allow to sit for 10 minutes and then release the pressure. When all pressure is released, remove lid and gently place into a serving dish. (do not stir as it will be sticky and get too mushy.) 

Once it is in the serving dish, add the toppings- caramelized onions, fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and chopped tomato).