Instant pot mujadara
Instant Pot mujadara is a quick and easy version of the classic Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, grains, and caramelized onions. Using the Instant Pot cuts down cooking time while still delivering rich flavor and comforting texture. It’s a healthy, hearty, and satisfying meal perfect for busy days.
Servings 6 People
Ingredients
- 2 cups lentils
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup coarse bulgur wheat
- 5 cups water
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Caramelized Onions:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions sliced into thin strips
Instructions
- Sort through the lentils to remove any bad ones. Rinse and drain, then set aside.
- Finely chop one onion for cooking, and slice the other two into thin strips for topping.
- Turn on the sauté setting on the Instant Pot. Add olive oil, then the chopped onion. Cook until soft, translucent, and lightly golden.
- Add the rinsed lentils, water, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Mix well. Cancel the sauté mode. Close the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is done, do a quick release. Open the lid, stir, and add a little water if the mixture looks too dry.
- Add the rinsed bulgur wheat (or rice if preferred). Stir, close the lid, and pressure cook for 2 more minutes on high.
- When done, do another quick release, open the lid, mix well, and set aside.
- While the mujadara is cooking, make the caramelized onions. In a pan, heat olive oil, add the sliced onions, and cook over medium heat until deeply golden and crispy.
- Serve the mujadara warm, topped with the caramelized onions. Enjoy with a side of salad, fresh veggies, or warm pita bread.
Notes
- Rinse lentils and grains well to remove starch and improve texture.
- Use the sauté function to build flavor before pressure cooking.
- Quick release carefully to avoid overcooking the lentils.
- Covering the vent with a cloth during quick release helps prevent hot liquid and steam from splattering. It keeps your kitchen cleaner and safer while releasing pressure. Just be careful not to block the vent completely.
- Adjust water depending on how creamy or thick you like it.
- Make caramelized onions ahead and store for easy topping.
- Serve with salad or yogurt for a balanced meal.