Mujadara - This Instant Pot mujadara recipe is a delicious combination of lentils, rice and caramelized onions. This fragrant vegetarian recipe comes together quickly in your pressure cooker, making it perfect for any night of the week. Best part, the lentils and rice are cooked to perfection, no mushy rice nor lentils. 1 min. Video recipe.
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This recipe was originally published in April 2019 and has been updated with new content , pictures and video
What is Mujadara?
Mujadara is a traditional combination of lentils and rice. Caramelized onions garnish and add some extra flavor to the lentils and rice. It is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for preparing ahead of time and sending with your family for a hearty mid-day lunch. It's a nutritious meal on a budget and I think you will love this preparation when you try it.
Mujadara (Lentils and Rice Recipe) Ingredients
The main ingredients of mujadara are lentils, rice and onions. Since you can cook them all in the Instant Pot, it is an easy, one pot meal that is easy to make. For this Instant Pot lentils and rice recipe, I use basmati rice and green or brown lentils, depending on what I have on hand.
For added flavor, you’ll need the following spices:
- Bay leaves
- cinnamon ground
- cumin ground
- coriander ground
- garlic cloves
- chili powder
- parsley
- olive oil
- salt (as desired)
You can also add a little flavor and richness using vegetable stock instead of water in the Instant Pot.
I also use olive oil to caramelize the onions. You can also caramelize onions without using oil. Just use water to deglaze the pot and make sure to keep stirring the onions frequently.
How to Make Mujadara (Lentils and Rice) (Instant Pot Recipe)
Like other recipes, the Instant Pot adds extra ease to making mujadara. It is a great tool because you can cook the lentils, onions, and rice in the same pot. Nervous to use the Instant Pot for this recipe? Don’t be! We break down exactly how to use the Instant Pot in our beginner’s guide to the Instant Pot, called Is the Instant Pot Worth It.
Before you get started, make sure you soak the lentils overnight. When you make it the next day, heat the oil using the saute function. Add in the half moon shaped, sliced onions and saute until the onions have caramelized. Once they are done, remove them from the inner pot and set aside.
Once the onions (caramalized) are removed, add in the remaining oil to the inner pot. Add in the finely chopped onions and garlic and saute until the onions start to soften and become fragrant. Stir the bay leaves ,cumin, cinnamon, coriander powder, and chili powder and temper the oil.
When the onions are done, add the pre-soaked and drained lentils and rinsed rice to the inner pot. Pour in the vegetable broth or water and close the lid. Set the valve to sealing and pressure cook for 6 minutes on high pressure. When done, allow the pressure to naturally release.
Remove it from the Instant Pot. Garnish with caramelized onions and parsley.
Serve it with yogurt or a salad.
Pro tips and tricks to make the best Instant Pot Mujadara
- Always soak the lentils.
- Don’t use canned lentils or yellow or red lentils in this dish.
- Make sure to rinse the rice really well. The more debris you remove from the rice, the softer and fluffier it will be when cooked.
- If you want to keep the meal vegan, do not serve with yogurt. Choose a salad instead.
Can I make Mujadara on Stove Top?
Don't own an electric pressure cooker, no worries you can enjoy this Mujadara like it's traditionally cooked on stove top.
Tips - Don't forget to soak the lentils the previous night. When cooking on the stove top you cook the lentils and rice in one pot and while the rice and lentils are cooking, you caramelize the onions parallely.
Using a dutch oven or in a soup pot, heat the oil. Add the cumin, cinnamon, coriander powder, and chili powder and cook until fragrant. Then add the finely chopped onions and saute until the onions become soft and fragrant too.
Once the onions are ready, add in 5 cups of water and bring it to boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the presoaked lentils and rice, stir the onions lentils and rice. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for until the water is absorbed. This should take approximately 25 minutes.
Meanwhile make the caramelized onions for the topping. Heat some oil in a skillet and add the moon shaped onions and cook on medium heat until they caramelize and the edges start getting crispy and dark.
Lastly when the lentils and rice are cooked, add the caramelized onions and topping and relish this Mujadara preparation.
Can you save Mujadara?
If you want to make it ahead for the family to take to work or school, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, put it into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to a month.
What lentils can I use to make Mujadara?
We use brown or green lentils to make it. It’s best to avoid any variety of canned lentils.
Do you have to soak lentils before cooking them?
Yes, this recipe calls for soaking the lentils overnight to match the pressure cooking time with rice.
What to serve with Mujadara (Rice and Lentils)?
It pairs really well with yogurt. Our favorite yogurt is this creamy, thick homemade Instant Pot Yogurt.You could also serve it with Homemade Falafel, Instant Pot Hummus and some delicious naan.
Can I make this Mujadara recipe Vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan. It only contains plant based ingredients.
Make this wholesome and nutritious Mujadara, lentil and rice recipe for a delicious lunch or dinner. Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how you enjoyed it.
Mujadara Recipe (Instant Pot Lentils and Rice)
Instant Pot mujadara is a delicious combination of lentils, rice and caramelized onions. This fragrant vegetarian recipe comes together quickly in your pressure cooker, making it perfect for any night of the week.Best part, the lentils and rice are cooked to perfection, no mushy rice nor lentils.
Ingredients
- basmati rice 1 cup, washed
- green or brown lentils 1 cup, soaked overnight
- onions 2 large, one diced and other half moons
- olive oil 2 tbsp
- parsley 1/2 cup
- water or vegetable broth 2.5 cups
- salt to taste
- cumin ground 1/2 tbsp
- coriander ground 1/2 tbsp
- cinnamon ground 1 tsp
- chili powder 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- garlic cloves 2, minced
- bay leaves 2
Instructions
- Soak the lentils overnight.
Instant Pot Mujadara Recipe
- Heat oil in Instant Pot using the saute function. Add the half moon sliced onions and saute until the onions caramelize. Remove the onions and keep them aside for garnishing.
- In the same pot add the remaining oil and finely chopped onions and chopped garlic and saute.
- Add the bay leaves, cumin, cinnamon, coriander powder, chili powder. Add soaked, drained lentils and rinsed rice to the pot.
- Pour in either vegetable broth or water
- Close the load and seal the vent.
- Pressure cook for 6 minutes and allow pressure to naturally release.
- Garnish with remaining caramelized onions and parsley.
- Serve with yogurt or salad.
Stove Top Mujadara Recipe
When cooking on the stove top you cook the lentils and rice in one pot and while the rice and lentils are cooking, you caramelize the onions parallely. The amount of water or broth required to cook is a total of 4 cups.
- In a dutch oven or in a soup pot, heat the oil. Add the bay leaves , cumin, cinnamon, coriander powder, and chili powder and cook until fragrant.
- Then add the finely chopped onions and garlic and saute until the onions become soft, fragrant and ready.
- Next add in 4 cups of water and bring it to boil. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the presoaked lentils and rice, stir the onions lentils and rice. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for until the water is absorbed. This should take approximately 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile make the caramelized onions for the topping. Heat some oil in a skillet and add the moon shaped onions and cook on medium heat until they caramelize and the edges start getting crispy and dark.
- Lastly when the lentils and rice are cooked, add the caramelized onions and topping and relish this Mujadara preparation.
Notes
- Soaking Lentils - Do not skip this step. I have explained the reason in my post above.
- Lentil Variety - Green or brown lentils work. Make sure to soak them overnight and then cook so they match the cooking time with rice.
- Spices - Cumin, coriander powder, chili powder, cinnamon.
- Liquid - The amount of liquid differs when pressure cooking versus cooking on stove top.
Recommended Products
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Mealthy MultiPot 9-in-1 Programmable Slow and Pressure Cooker -
Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer
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Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1
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Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 101.4 Ounce
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365 Everyday Value, Organic Vegetable Broth, 48 fl oz
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Organic Coriander Powder / Dhaniya Powder -Indian Spices, Pack of 2 (200 Gram Each)
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McCormick Ground Cumin, 14 oz
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Simply Organic, Cinnamon, 2.45 oz
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Royal White Basmati Rice, 20 Pound
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365 Everyday Value, Organic Green Lentils, 16 Ounce
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Morton Salt Regular Salt - 26 oz
Zelda says
I love this recipe and want to make it. It says I have to be on the email list to print. I am on the email list, which is how I got the recipe - from a mailing list. In addition, I have to have some sort of account and it is not directly from this website. Frustrating. I found another way to print the recipe and cannot wait to try it. I hope printing will become easier, as I am not able to look at a screen and cook. My eyes cannot go back and forth to a screen.
Zelda says
I agree with you 100%. I am not going to open some sort of third party account to print. I found a way to print, so am happy with that. I also cannot look at a screen and cook as my eyes start to shake. I hope the ability to print is soon changed. In the meantime I will use my workaround.
Lindsay says
I followed this recipe exactly sad written, and the flavors are fantastic. My rice turned out very mushy (I used white jasmine rice and rinsed it very well). What did I do wrong?
Jayne says
Hi there! Do you have any suggestions for how to put this together with leftover rice and lentils? Specifically in terms of how to make use of the spices. Thanks!
Rose says
In the directions it says to heat the oil, saute the onions and set aside. Then, to continue, it says to add THE REST OF THE OIL. Was I supposed to use only 1 T for the half moon onions and save 1 T for the diced? I noticed in the stove top directions it said you can caramelize the onions without oil but it doesn't mention that for the IP.
Nicolette says
This recipe is fantastic! I love it and make it quite frequently. The only adjustments I made were to use brown basmati rice and add 1 tsp garam masala or lebanese 7 spice for a more aromatic and flavor. But it is perfect as written anyway. I love how great it tastes and how healthy it is for being made with such simple, affordable, and humble ingredients. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Rose says
@Nicolette, Did you use the tsp of garam masala in addition to the spices listed or in place of them?
Patsy le Vann says
I've made this twice, once with white basmati and again with brown basmati. Both were delicious but I can't find the footnote that adjusts for the brown rice. Can you help?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Paty , we are so glad to hear that . If you are using brown rice you do not need to soak the lentils and the time will change pressure cook it for 15 minutes and let the pressure release naturally . hope this helps !
Angela Prince says
I followed the recipe to the word and this was delicious. I will definitely be making this again! Thank you for the recipe!
Nora K says
Followed the recipe exactly (instant pot), very mushy and under-seasoned. Not impressed.
Amy Wallace says
This is wonderful
i says
You should add these instructions from the comments to both the Instantpot and Stovetop instructions:
2. CHANGES WITH BROWN RICE: Always soak the lentils overnight EXCEPT if using BROWN RICE. If using brown rice ONLY SOAK THE LENTILS 2 HOURS AND PRESSURE COOK TIME CHANGES TO 15 MINUTES with natural release.
3. CHANGES WITH RED LENTILS: If using red lentils SKIP THE SOAKING STEP, NO SOAKING RED LENTILS.
It was delicious as stovetop method, will try instantpot method next. Thank you for the recipe!
Linda says
Hi, I just made this and it was good, but a little dry. I downloaded it with Paprika and the cumin and coriander weren’t there. The salt wasn’t either, but I don’t use salt. I noticed they were missing when I saw them mentioned in the directions. Any ideas why this didn’t download
Andrea says
I am ready to cook this and have soaked a cup of lentils overnight, that is now swollen to at least two cups, so is the recipe a cup or dried or a cup of soaked please? Thanks
EayrsUmmi says
Is there any adjustment in time for brown rice?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi EayrsUmmi, if using brown rice the time changes to 15 minutes and natural release. Just soak the lentils for two hours.
Nandita says
My 1 year old loved it and wanted to eat it right from the instant pot!
Anvita says
Hi Nandita, so glad to hear that!
CM says
Could I use red lentils and just not soak?
TheBellyRulesTheMind says
You could but it wouldn't an authentic Mujadara. If using red lentils skip the soaking
Daniela Jalbert says
This is the 3rd time I have made this dish on the stove top. The fragrance while it cooks is amazing. The chili I play with as some of my kids and husband do not like I it to much heat. The dollop of yogurt is amazing ontop and I have placed taziki on it to and it’s amazing. Thank you for this recipe it’s a hit !
Sandy says
I made this exactly as written and it turned out fantastic! I used a regular liquid measuring cup and I thought the liquid amount worked out fine. I could taste all the spices but it wasn't overpowering. As for those experiencing mushiness - 1) Make sure when you set your Instant Pot pressure cook time you turn the keep warm setting off. If you do not your food will continue to cook while you are waiting for the natural release and will definitely be mush. 2) When the dish is done, do not aggressively over stir it. I over stirred mine and it did start to get a stickier/mushier texture. I highly recommend serving this with some Tzatziki sauce! I will definitely make this again, Thank you for sharing!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Sandy, so glad to hear that! Hope you try other recipes from our blog:)
Angela says
Did this work with brown rice and not soaking the green lentils?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Angela, Yes it works well with brown rice and no need to soak the lentils ( green or brown). Hope this helps!
Barbara Marshall says
Do I need to double the liquid also if I am doubling the lentils and rice? I understand the cook time will remain the same. Thank you!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Barbara. Yes you need to double the ingredients water , spices if you are doubling the rice and lentil. Hope this helps
Trina Oickle-Pottie says
Question: i'm trying to use brown rice in recipes just to keep my blood sugar levels better. It takes longer to cook; could I substitute with brown rice and NOT soak the green lentils? I think I could make this work.
Anvita says
Hi Trina, if using brown rice the time changes to 15 minutes pressure cook. No need to soak the lentils. Hope this helps.
Amira says
I read the comments and was worried about mushy rice. This turned out perfect - followed the instructions exactly. Delicious and easy recipe with a fancy name too !
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Amira, Thanks for Sharing your experience with us. Hope you try other recipes from our blog.
Beth McClellan says
I made this and was really disappointed-it was so mushy it was inedible. I soaked the lentils for about nine hours while I was at work and then made it after work in the instant pot. I did six minutes pressure cook, and I manually released the pressure after about 11 minutes. I did NOT use the instant pot cup to measure anything either. I didn’t know that. Did it say that in there? I used standard dry measuring cups for the dry stuff and liquid measuring cups for the broth. I had to put it down the garbage disposal.
TheBellyRulesTheMind says
Beth,
This recipe has been tried and tested by many as you can see from the other comments below. Not sure what you did wrong there.
Mela says
I did , it was delicious, everyone loved ?
Thank you!
Mela says
Thank you for the great recipe.
When add salt for the stove top instructions?
Anvita says
Thanks Mela, add the salt with all the spices after the onions . hope this helps :) Do make and share your feedback with us .
David Bender says
I saw 2 bay leaves in the picture of spices, but not in the ingredient list or the directions. Also, 2 garlic. Loves are mentioned in the ingredients list, but not in the directions. I put the garlic in after the chopped onions.
Anvita says
Thanks for trying the recipe ansletting us know about the missing steps .Fixed it :)
Theresa Gerhard says
I would like your grandmothers recipe. I don't use an instant pot.
PETA AKESTER says
Thank you, I made this, and it was delicious, I shall definitely make it again
Ginny Cain says
Loved your blend of spices. I used the stovetop method and didn't soak the lentils, but I precooked them to an al dente level, put them on top of the rice/spice/onion mixture and added two cups of broth (lentil leftover broth plus chicken bouillon) with out disturbing the rice, and cooked for 15 - 20 minutes. It was perfect!
aileen says
Ok i must be an idiot...when do you add the garlic?
Anvita says
Hi Aileen, add them with the chopped onions.
Tony says
Hi Can I make this in a 6qt instant pot, and use 1/2 or 1/4 recipe?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Tony, yes you ca make it in a 6 qt instant pot. Yes you ca even half or double the recipe. The time remains the same.
Rebecca says
Love love love it!
Anvita says
Thanks Rebecca, it’s our favorite too
J says
Like others, it was a bit mushy and will adjust cook time but very easy to make. I had a bit hard time to know how much salt to use as this if first time cooking this and recipe says adjust salt to taste. I'd say put at least 1 tsp and maybe even 1.5tsp as starting point then adjust to taste. Will make this again.
Eti says
Dish came out super duper delish!!! But - rice was mush. Not sure what went wrong. Coked in an IP and followed instructions to the letter. Next time will quick release pressure and see the difference. Will definitely make it again :-)
Conley Hausle says
This is amazing!!! I didn’t have any bay leaves, but all of the other spices I keep on hand. I’ll admit I didn’t measure the spices (I almost never do), but my roommate and I loved this, to the point we want to add it to a weekly rotation. It’s so easy, and it tastes awesome!
Anvita says
Hi, Conley, so glad to hear that. Hope you try other Recipes from our blog.
Kristen says
I tried this recipe last night and loved it! Just wanted to share a few modifications that I made in case they are helpful to anyone. I used 3 onions instead of 2, 1.5 diced and 1.5 sliced. I halved the cinnamon (used only 1/2 t instead of 1 t). I soaked the lentils for a full 24 hours, and based on some other reviews that mentioned the dish came out mushy, I decided to pressure cook 6 mins and do 8 mins NR. Will definitely be making this again (maybe with even more onions... yum!).
Nan Hedrick says
I'm confused about the onions in the recipe. The Ingredients list "onions 2 large, diced" but the Instructions refer to "half moon sliced onions" in step 2 and then "finely chopped onions" in step 4. Do you mean "1 onion, half moon sliced" and "1 onion, diced" in the Ingredients? Actually, it would be helpful to have a measurement for the onions since they vary in size so much. How about "1 cup onions, half moon sliced" and "1 cup onions, diced."
Thank you for any clarification!
Anvita says
Hi Nan, it's mentioned in the step by step recipe. The half moon onion you need to cramalized it and remove it(They go as a garnish after the mujadara is cooked . Add the chopped onions and and follow the recipe. Hope this helps. :)
Babu says
Yes, please. Would like that recipe.
Lawrence Michael says
Throw the pressure cooker away and use a TRADITIONAL LEBANESE RECIPE AND IT WILL BE HEAVEN!
The pressure cooker ruins it! If you want I’ll give you my grandmothers recipe which is more than 100 years old!
Martha says
This was delicious! I did not soak the lentils and I added the carrots and zucchini as you did in the post. I did not find the end product to be mushy, but perfect. I have no need to be vegetarian, so I used homemade chicken broth. I think that next time I will double the spices, though, as I feel it needs a little something more for my taste. Still, it was excellent and I will be making this often! Thank you!
Anvita says
Awesome Martha. So glad to hear it turned out great. You can add more spices to make it to your taste.
Jamie says
I didn’t even soak the lentils and it’s total mush.
Marie says
The last time I made this recipe (which is absolutely delicious!) it came out very mushy. This time I soaked my lentils in warm water for about 45 min instead of overnight and although still delicious, it was still a bit mushy. I will try again next time with no presoaking, and natural release for about 8 min, then quick release. Hopefully it will be as it looks in your photos! Always so tasty though and totally worth the experimentation.
Michelle says
Made this again today! I’m really loving this recipe. I’m not sure about the measuring inside the pot. I added the 2.5 cups measured liquid again with the soaked lentils this time. It came out great. Thanks again. I appreciate how fragrant this is with very simple seasoning. It’s so easy all in the one pot.
Anvita says
Thanks for the feedback Michelle
Michelle says
Oh boy what do you mean use the instant pot cup to measure? I know there are measurements inside the pot. Are you saying to fill to that line with the broth/water? If there are some items in there how am I measuring? Thanks for your help. I’m new to the instapot.
Michelle says
I just made this today. It came out mushy as some others mentioned but it tastes great. I used the exact same rice but I did use canned lentils. So much easier if you don’t have time to soak them. Since I used canned lentils I’m thinking I could have pressure cooked for 3 minutes in lieu of 6. Will see what happens next time I make this. Planning to use this mixture in stuffed peppers also. Thanks!!
Anvita says
Michelle,
Yes canned lentils can cause this to be mushy. Also make sure you are using the Instant pot cup to measure the ingredients. Also next time cancel the keep warm cycle once the rice and lentils are cooked.
Carole says
Same here. Turned out too mushy. It tool 30 minutes for the natural release to be done. If I try it again, I will do a quick release after a few minutes.
Maggie says
How much water/vegetable broth would you put in for 1 cup of brown rice?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Maggie, for brown rice the water will be same 2-1/2 cups but the time will change to 15 minutes
Angelique says
Made this today. Turned out very flavorful, but mushy. What did I do wrong? I followed the recipe exactly.
Susan says
Just made this for lunch (I did soak the brown lentils overnight). Easy and delicious, so fragrant from the garam masala. Thank you for the recipe. :)
Lisa says
If I use 2 cups of rice, will the cooking time be the same?
anvita says
Hi lisa, yes the cook time remains the same
Kristen says
Would the cook time be the same with brown rice? Thank you!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Kristen, with brown rice the time will change to 15 mins pressure cook and 10 min NPR.
Maya says
OMG this sounds absolutely amazing. Can't wait to make with fire my kids & I . Thank you so much for the recipe. I barely ever use my Insta Pot. Now I'm excited!
Anvita says
Great! Do share your feedback with us Maya.
Jenny says
I like brown rice. Do you think I could use that and not pre-soak the lentils?
TheBellyRulesTheMind says
you could make mujarada using brown rice and lentils. it's always recommended to pre-soak the lentils for best results but it's not a hard and fast rule.
Jacqui says
Hi, I only have red & yellow(moong dal) lentils...can I use either of these instead or green or brown? Thanks!
Jen says
Hi, I am excited to try this recipe however I have a couple of questions. (1) What are the measurements of cumin and garam marsala? (2) Do you stir after adding the broth/water before sealing or leave the ingredients in the order in which they were added? Thanks!
TheBellyRulesTheMind says
Jen, my bad. I just updated the recipe with the measurements. You need to temper the oil with cumin, garam masala and onions. Then throw in the other ingredients. Hope that helps. Can't wait to hear from you. Do let me know what did you think of it when you tried it.
Anvita.