Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil such as avocado or coconut
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-size piece ginger root, grated
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• scant 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons curry powder, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• approx. 3 cups vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, peas, carrot, green beans, etc.
• 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 1/4 cups white quinoa, rinsed
• 1 cup split red lentils or mung dal (yellow lentils), rinsed
• 4 3/4 cups water

Preparation

1. In a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot, press the saute button and let it get hot. Add the oil. Once hot, add the cumin seed and cook for 30 seconds. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Stirring occasionally, cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The garlic and ginger will start to stick to the bottom; don’t worry about it.
2. Next, add the spices and bay leaf. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Add about 1/2 cup of water, and scrape the bottom until everything is released. Press cancel to end the saute.
3. Add the vegetables, rice/quinoa, lentils, salt, and remaining 4 c. water. Stir very well.
4. Turn on and close the Instant Pot, and set it for 4 minutes on high pressure. At the end of the 4 minutes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then open.
5. Let stand for a few minutes. I like serving it with a garlic/lemon greek yogurt to add over the top.

adapted from My Quiet Kitchen + others