Lentils and Rice with Tangy Yogurt Sauce

Exotic, yet Simple

While experimenting with my electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot), I fell in love with the flavor of this exotic, yet simple meatless meal. I've always thought that brown rice and lentils are great sources of fiber, but a bit boring. This recipe changes that impression.

The Secret is the Sauce

The warm and enticing flavor of cinnamon mixed with cumin and coriander meld together under a blanket of cool, tangy yogurt spooned on top. This popular Middle Eastern dish uses the acidity of yogurt to pull it all together...amazing!

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Lentils and Rice with Tangy Yogurt Sauce (Instant Pot version)

This popular Middle Eastern dish, also called Mujadara, is a deeply spiced whole grain pilaf. Ideal as a side dish, this pilaf also makes a satisfying vegetarian main dish. A dollop of yogurt sauce served on top of this fragrant dish is the perfect accompaniment.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Natural Release15 mins

Total Time45 mins

Course: Meatless Main Dish

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 218kcal

Author: Karen

Ingredients

Rice and Lentils

• 1 cup brown lentils picked over and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup long grain brown rice rinsed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Optional toppings: caramelized onions, toasted nuts, or chopped cilantro.

Yogurt Sauce

• 1 cup plain 2% yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, about ½ lemon, juiced
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt

Equipment

• 6- quart electric or stove-top pressure cooker

Instructions

• Place lentils in a bowl and cover with warm water. Allow the lentils to soak while you assemble the spices.
• Turn on the Sauté function of the electric pressure cooker. Sauté onion in olive oil in the pot until onions are translucent. Add garlic, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne, stirring to bloom the spices for 1 minute. Turn off Sauté’ function.
• To the onion/spice mixture, stir in drained lentils, rice, sugar, salt and broth. Close the lid and lid vent. On the Manual setting, set the cooker for 14 minutes at high pressure. Allow the cooker to naturally release pressure (for 15 minutes).
• To serve, fluff rice and lentils and top with a dollop of yogurt sauce and toppings.

Notes

If you're using a stove-top pressure cooker - prepare the ingredients as described in the recipe, then pressure cook on high for 12 minutes and use a natural release for 15 minutes.