Step 1

Rinse and soak the brown lentils for 1 hour in warm water.

Step 2

Heat the instant pot in saute mode and add 1 tbsp of oil in it. Add the sliced onions and saute them for about 5 minutes until they brown and are slightly crisp on the edges. Take them out and save for later.

Step 3

Add 1 tbsp of oil to the instant pot. Add the diced onions and garlic. Saute till they lightly brown for about 3 minutes. Add the ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon and salt.

Step 4

Stir in the lentils and water. Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes. This will help the lentils to get softer before we add rice.

Step 5

Add the rice and stir well. Press cancel and close lid with vent in sealing position.

Step 6

Cook on Rice mode. Instant Pot set the cooking time to 12 minutes at low pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 mins, then release manually (10 minute NPR). Press cancel and take the steel insert out of the instant pot.

Step 7

Fluff the lentils and rice with a fork. Top the rice with the caramelized sliced onions and cilantro. Enjoy with a side of yogurt and salad.