Beet and Walnut Salad with Pickled Onions

Beets are a healthy superfood-especially if you are thinking of heart or eye protection! 
Personally, I like cooked beets and am always on the lookout for authentic ethnic recipes that include beets.

I was first introduced to this interesting salad at a luncheon given by an amazing cook who lived her first 18 years in Cairo, Egypt. She brought many of her family recipes with her.  

Instant Pot Red Lentil Vegetable Soup

Red lentils make a hearty soup that can be cooked in the Instant Pot in just 10 minutes ( plus warm up time). Since red lentils do not require pre-soaking, it's a great last minute soup for a cold evening.

How to Make Chickpeas in the Instant Pot

How do you cook chickpeas in the Instant Pot? 
There is nothing easier than cooking chickpeas in the Instant Pot-soaked beans cook for 16 minutes.

1. Soak 8 ounces of dry chickpeas overnight or for 8 hours-

2. Discard liquid, place chickpeas in the Instant Pot, and add 6 cups of water, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 bay leaves, salt and pepper- 

3. Secure lid, close steam valve, and set to pressure cook for 16 minutes. 

4. When done, release steam manually according to the manufacturer's instructions.

I use my Instant Pot for just about everything. Being vegetarian, I use a substantial amount of beans in recipes. The Instant Pot makes cooking beans a cinch and cooking my own chick peas, black beans, pinto beans, etc.( verses using canned beans) not only saves money, but it also reduces our exposure to the harmful toxins and chemicals that leach into food from metal cans.