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).

What's IN MY KITCHEN for December?

It's December and it's time to take a peek INTO MY KITCHEN and see what I'm up to.

I have a new air-fryer!! Why? I am sad to share that my previous beautiful (expensive) Ninja air-fryer with fold up features broke when accidentally dropped. The Inside glass tubes cracked, fell, and were hanging. I had to debate whether to re-invest in a new one or do without.  10 minutes later, I was ordering the same air-fryer that I had before on Cyber Monday sales! So now I have a new air-fryer. 

I love falafel but don't love to fry! I found these absolutely delicious falafel balls in the freezer section of a near-by store in Florida. It is made by a company called, "Chef Tzali." I suspect it might be easiest to find in stores that carry kosher items such as the Shop-rite in Mercer Mall in NJ. They are gluten-free and vegan which is PERFECT for me. In addition, 3 balls are only 70 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. I microwave 3 of them for 1 minute and they taste great!! 

My brother-in-law made this Hanukkah Menora for Florida using mini beach chairs, sand, and a Chanukah plate

The first night of Hanukah is December 18 this year. I'm starting to get out the Chanukah decorations.

This is a lovely glass tray with a beautiful message- It's uplifting and represents the essence of the Chanukah holiday.

I found this platter at Home-Goods this year.  

I'll use it to serve latkes (potato pancakes). They had 4 of them when I purchased but I went back the next day to get another one for a gift- all gone!!

I made my mother-in-laws Egyptian Bamia (baby okra) (recipe link)  We usually eat it with rice. I use frozen baby okra.

My sister-in-law made a beautiful salad for Thanksgiving. It contained arugula, pear, blueberries, and sliced nuts and vegan feta cheese. 

Sharing this post at Sherry's In My Kitchen linky where anyone can share by following simple directions at the beginning of every month. 

My Notes: 

1. I've seen the word Hanukkah/Chanukah spelled in multiple ways. I've used both ways in this post. I like using the CH which is more authentic to the Hebrew pronunciation with a guttural CH sound not like in channel-

2. Did I like the vegan feta? Didn't taste like the real thing to me. 

3. I haven't opened my air-fryer yet. Still deciding whether I need it- because it takes up so much room on my counter and my kitchen in Florida is small. However, I do love using it.

Easiest Mexican Black Bean Dip Made in Minutes

With the holidays and holiday parties just around the corner, you will be happy to have this quick and easy guilt-free Mexican black bean dip on hand that can be made last minute ( in minutes) to help spread the cheer! Tired of hummus?