The simplest way to make Mujadara lentils-and-rice recipe

If you want a simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to put together but tastes delicious and feels nourishing and satisfying, look no further than Mujadara, a lentils-and-rice dish. It’s the simplest way to make Mujadara, but it’s not the traditional way. But since I have been making it that way during busy times, when I’m not feeling so great, or when I don’t know what to make, it deserves a place among our recipes.

I don’t remember how I came across that recipe; I think another gardener mentioned it, and it sounded so good that I tried it. To remember how I made it, I added the recipe to a picture of leftover lentils and rice, and that was my recipe for a while. As is common with traditional recipes, there are usually different ways to make it; this one is in the Instant Pot. Any other high-pressure pot would do too.

We start by combining lentils and rice; I use brown lentils and whole grain rice, and I give it a good rinse. Then I add the spices, the unpeeled garlic, and the water. It all happens in the same pot and takes maybe 5 minutes.

The crispy fried onions are a must. They give the dish its special note. Other than that, use your imagination with what you want to enjoy the Mujadara. Some Greek yogurt or sour cream, a fresh salad, or a jarred salad will taste delicious.

Mujadara lentils-and-rice recipe

The simplest way to make Mujadara lentils-and-rice recipe

Author: Anna @ Northern Homestead

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 cup lentils
¾ cup whole grain rice
1 -2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon or to taste ground cumin
1 teaspoon or to taste turmeric
1 teaspoon or to taste salt
3 cups of water
1-2 onions and butter or oil to fry

Instructions

Combine the dry lentils and rice in the Instant Pot; rinse well.
Add the spices and a clean, unpeeled garlic clove. Add the water.
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 25 minutes.
Let the pressure come down on slow release.
Meanwhile, cut the onions to your preferred size
Fry the onions in a frying pan till they are crispy
Once the pressure is released, open the lid and squeeze out the garlic. Mix everything well together
Serve the Mujadara topped with the onions

Storage and Leftovers

Mujadara is also great as leftovers stored in a container in the fridge or even frozen. To reheat, pour out a tablespoon of water into a pan and add the mujadara. Add more water as needed until it is heated through and tastes freshly cooked.