Step 1

Sauté onions and garlic: Select the sauté setting on an electric pressure cooker. Heat the oil until it shimmers but does not smoke. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 2

Pressure cook: Add the lentils, water or broth, and salt. Cover with and lock down the lid. Pressure-cook for 15 minutes at HIGH pressure.

Step 3

Release naturally: Once the cook time completes, allow the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally; this takes about 10 minutes. Once all the pressure has released, turn the steam valve to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid away from you. Taste the lentils and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.