Lentils with Orzo - Instant Pot detail at the end

Traditional Cypriot recipe given to my mum by a friend in Cyprus

Serves 4

250gr brown lentils, washed, soaked for 2 hours and drained

2 large onions, chopped

Olive oil - the recipe calls for 6 tablespoons

4 ripe plum tomatoes, peeled

1 litre of water

150gr orzo

salt and pepper

dried herbs of your choice

lemon juice to serve

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan.

Cook onions until golden

Add tomatoes and cook for five minutes

Add lentils and the water and bring to the oil

Cover and simmer for 50-60 minutes or until lentils are tender

Add the orzo and seasoning.  Simmer for 20 minutes, adding more hot water if necessary to prevent sticking.  

Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice on to serve

Nice with shredded steamed or boiled cabbage

Instant Pot changes!

I used a dessertspoon of olive oil with the onion and garlic, whizzed 250g of cherry tomatoes in the mini chopper and added them with some salt and a little extra cold water.  I sauteed for a few mins on high.  Added the brown lentils and 1.5 times volume water and cooked at high pressure 15 mins.  Then added a little bit more water with the orzo and sauteed for a few mins then left it on keep warm with the lid on for 20 mins.  Perfect!