Step 1

Press Saute and add niter kibbeh to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.

Step 2

Once the niter kibbeh has heated up, add onions, garlic and ginger. Stir until onion mixture is golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Press Cancel. The spices in the next step will cook in the residual heat.

Step 3

Add berbere and salt and stir to coat, about 30 seconds. Make sure there's nothing stuck to the bottom of the inner pot – deglaze as needed.

Step 4

Add tomato paste and stir for 30 seconds. If anything gets stuck to the inner pot, deglaze with a tablespoon or two of water.

Step 5

Stir in the water and lentils.

Step 6

Close the lid and pressure cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.

Step 7

Do a natural pressure release. [Read More: The Different Pressure Release Methods]

Step 8

Open the Instant Pot and stir the Ethiopian lentils. Garnish with cilantro, if using.

Step 9

In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat niter kibbeh over medium heat.

Step 10

Add onions, garlic and ginger. Stir for a few minutes till onions begin to turn golden. Lower the temperature to medium-low and saute till onion mixture is a deep golden brown, stirring frequently. It may take 15 to 20 minutes or longer for the onions to become nicely browned. Make sure they don't burn, and deglaze as needed.

Step 11

Stir in berbere and salt, and saute for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 12

Stir in tomato paste and lentils. Saute for 1 to 2 minutes, deglazing with water if needed.

Step 13

Add 3 cups of water and simmer covered, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are cooked to your liking and the stew has thickened, about 30 minutes. Add more water, if needed, in tablespoon increments.

Step 14

Adjust with more berbere and salt, according to your tastes.

Step 15

Garnish with cilantro, if desired.