Instant Pot Cider-Braised French Lentils With Leeks And Chives

French lentils or lentils du Puy hold their shape and retain a firm yet tender texture. Even when cooked under pressure. Like with this recipe using the Instant Pot. Unlike red lentils, such as with this, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple, and Red Lentil Soup.

French lentils are small, slate-gray to green with a peppery taste. They cook on the stovetop in 15 to 20 minutes and hold their shape very well.

This lentil recipe is cooked with apple cider, and a fresh Granny Smith thrown in for the acidity and including the twinge of sweetness.

As for the leeks, they blend well with soups and stews, and with theses cider-braised lentils as the leeks balance the dish with their savory oniony notes, like with this Emerald Green Soup.

Instant Pot Cider-Braised French Lentils With Leeks And Chives

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter

3 medium to large leeks, white and light green parts, thin sliced, rinsed and dried

2 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, minced

1 medium Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, finely chopped

2 teaspoons Himalayan salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 1/2 cups French lintels (lentils du Puy)

3 cups apple cider

1 bunch fresh chives, thinly diced

1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, optional

On a 6-quart Instant Pot, select More/High Sauté. Add the butter and melt. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, thyme, apple, 2 teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

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Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the lentils, cider and 2 cups water; stir to combine, then distribute in an even layer.

Press Cancel, lock the lid in place and move the pressure valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook or Manual; make sure the pressure level is set to High. Set the cooking time for 8 minutes.

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When pressure cooking is complete, allow the pressure to reduce naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining steam by moving the pressure valve to Venting. Press Cancel, then carefully open the pot.

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Stir in the chives and balsamic vinegar (if using), then taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Try These Lentil Dish Favorites

• Prosciutto Cotto & Lentils
• Lentil Soup With Curry & Coconut Milk

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