Lentils & Rice (Mujadara)
This is a "three-ingredient" anti-inflammatory Lebanese-inspired side dish (or vegetarian main) made with brown rice, lentils, and caramelized onions.
Yield
8 servingsPrep
10 minCook
45 minReady
70 minIngredients
| Amount | Measure | Ingredient | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | tablespoons |
olive oil, extra-virgin
|
|
| 5 | medium |
onions
thinly sliced, or 2 large red onions |
|
| 1 | cup |
lentils, green
or brown |
|
| 3 ½ | cups |
water
cold |
|
| 1 | cup |
brown rice
long-grain |
|
| 1 | teaspoon |
salt
|
|
| 1 |
lemons
optional, cut into wedges for serving |
*
|
|
| ½ | cup |
yogurt, plain
optional, for serving |
*
|
| ⅓ | cup |
mint leaves
minced fresh, optional |
*
|
Ingredients
| Amount | Measure | Ingredient | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | ml |
olive oil, extra-virgin
|
|
| 5 | each |
onions
thinly sliced, or 2 large red onions |
|
| 237 | ml |
lentils, green
or brown |
|
| 828 | ml |
water
cold |
|
| 237 | ml |
brown rice
long-grain |
|
| 1E+1 | ml |
salt
|
|
| 1 | cut into wedges |
lemons
optional, cut into wedges for serving |
*
|
| 118 | ml |
yogurt, plain
optional, for serving |
*
|
| 79 | ml |
mint leaves
minced fresh, optional |
*
|
Directions
Heat oil in an Instant Pot, a pressure cooker set to low sauté mode, or a sauté pan with high sides (or pot) on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until softened and deep golden brown, about 30 minutes. Transfer half the onions to a paper towel-lined plate.
While the onions are caramelizing, rinse the rice until the water runs clear, and soak the lentils in a bowl of hot water.
Drain the rice and lentils and add to the Instant-Pot or pressure cooker, with 3 cups of water. Lock the lid and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes, then let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
If cooking on the stovetop, use 3 1/2 cups of water, cover tightly and simmer over medium-low heat for 30 to 40 minutes until the rice and lentils reach the desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
Add salt, stir, and serve, topping with the reserved caramelized onions and serving with lemon wedges, yogurt, and mint if desired.
Improved presentation
Use 3 onions above, reserving two onions for garnish.
Slice the remaining 2 onions into rings. Heat a skillet and sauté the rings in the olive oil until lovingly caramleized. To serve, top the lentils with the sautéed onion rings.
