Best Spiced Lentils With Leeks Recipes

INSTANT POT MIDDLE EASTERN LENTILS WITH RICE, LEEKS, AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Using the sauté function, heat the oil in the pressure cooker pot. Stir in the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are dark golden at the edges, about 10 minutes.Season with a pinch of salt. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out half the leeks and transfer to a bowl; set aside for the garnish.
• Stir the garlic into the pot and cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Stir in the cumin, allspice, and cayenne and cook for 30 seconds.
• Add the lentils, 2 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, the bay leaf, and cinnamon stick to the pot.
• Lock the lid into place and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
• Uncover the pot and stir in the rice, working quickly so the lentil mixture stays hot. Lock the lid back into place and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Manually release the pressure.
• Uncover and stir in the spinach. Cover the pot with the lid (but don't lock it on) and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to wilt the greens and finish cooking the rice.
• In a small bowl, season the yogurt with salt to taste.
• Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Serve the lentils warm, garnished with the reserved leeks and salted yogurt on top, and drizzled with more olive oil.

SPICED LENTILS WITH LEEKS

Steps:

• Brown 1 bunch leeks (halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise) in 3 tablespoons olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat, 7 to 8 minutes; add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Add 3/4 cup dried brown or green lentils, 3 cups water, 1 bay leaf, 1 star anise pod and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are soft, 25 to 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and star anise. Season with salt, top with mint and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with lime wedges.

SMOKY LENTIL STEW WITH LEEKS AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Rinse lentils. Put them in a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot and add 8 cups water. Pin a bay leaf to each onion half using a whole clove and add to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, add a large pinch of salt, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook with lid ajar for about 30 minutes, until soft. Turn off heat.
• Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to boil, and cook the potato slices until just done, about 10 minutes, then drain and spread out on a baking sheet to cool.
• Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is wavy, add leeks and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Let leeks cook briskly, stirring frequently until soft but still bright green, about 5 to 8 minutes. Turn heat to medium, stir in chopped garlic, thyme, pimentón and cayenne.
• Add saffron and soaking water, the chopped tomato and vinegar. Turn heat to high and let everything simmer for a few minutes. Pour contents of skillet into Dutch oven with lentils. Add the reserved potatoes.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook covered with lid ajar for about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cook for 10 more minutes. The lentils will be quite soft and the potatoes will start to break. Discard onion and thyme sprig.
• Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and chopped parsley, if you wish.