Lentils are one of my favorite things to eat, and this recipe for Instant Pot Lentils is a quick and easy way to get perfectly cooked whole lentils in a short cook time. This easy recipe is so versatile and the instant pot is a great option for a quick way to have dinner on the table fast any night of the week.
❤️ Why you'll love it
Time saving: pressure cooking lentils in the instant pot is a great way to meal prep and it takes about 20 minutes total time for delicious tender lentils.
Nutritious: Lentils are a delicious source of plant based protein with low sodium, high fiber and potassium, and other essential nutrients, perfect for the vegetarian or vegan diets.
Versatile: Lentils are delicious on their own or as part of a hearty soup, as a lentil curry, or over a serving of brown rice.
🥘 Ingredients
Dried lentils: you can use red lentils or brown lentils
Vegetable broth concentrate or water: I love and highly recommend better than bouillon vegetable base. If usiing water, you may want to add salt and black pepper to season. You can also make and use your own vegetable stock.
Bay leaf: Optional - adds flavor while cooking. Be sure to discard the bay leaf before serving.
🔪 How to Cook Instant Pot Lentils
- Measure and rinse lentils.
- Place lentils, vegetable broth concentrate, and water in the instant pot and stir to combine.
- Place lid on the instant pot and lock it into place. Make sure the float valve is on seal position.
- Manually set the cooking time on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the instant pot beeps to indicate it is done cooking, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes. Turn the steam valve to releases any remaining pressure.
🥄 Equipment
Electric pressure cooker: I love the instant pot brand!
Wooden spoon
🥫Storage
Refrigerate: store in a airtight container up to 5 days.
Freeze: store in a freezer-safe container up to 3 months.
Reheat: warm thawed lentils in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
📖 Variations
- If you would like more flavor, drain a quart of stewed tomatoes and use the liquid for cooking, adding enough water to make 2 cups of water to the liquid. Chop the tomatoes and add to the lentils and add some of your favorite spices.
- If desired, using the saute setting, cook some aromatics like onion, minced garlic, cumin seeds or curry powder in a drizzle of olive oil before adding the lentils and broth to pressure cook.
💭 Tips
- Rinsing the Lentils: Before cooking, be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
- Liquid Ratio: Use a 1:2 ratio of lentils to water or vegetable broth. For example, for one cup of lentils, add two cups of water or broth.
- Natural Pressure Release: After cooking, to help lentils retain their shape and prevent overcooking, allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for about 10 minutes. If you want softer lentils, then use the quick release option.
🙋 FAQ's
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, soaking is not necessary for this recipe, as lentils cook relatively quickly in the Instant Pot.
What if all the liquid did not soak up during cooking?
The liquid is full of nutrients and should be served with the lentils (there won't be much liquid). Once refrigerated the lentils will soak up and thicken slightly eliminating any excess liquid.
📚 Related Recipes
These Lentil Tostadas are a family favorite!
Lentils make the perfect stuffing in this recipe for Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini.
Lentil Salad is light and refreshing and a delicious side dish.
This Vegetarian Burrito Bowl makes a perfect lunch or light dinner.
🍽 Serve with..
For a complete meal, serve lentils over a bed of brown rice and some crusty bread. This also makes a great filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more.
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Lentils
Equipment
- Electric pressure cooker
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils , rinsed and drained
- 2 teaspoons vegetable broth concentrate
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Measure and rinse lentils.
- Place lentils, vegetable broth concentrate, and water in the instant pot and stir to combine.
- Place lid on the instant pot and lock it into place. Make sure the float valve is on seal position.
- Manually set the cooking time on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the instant pot beeps to indicate it is done cooking, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes. Turn the steam valve to releases any remaining pressure.
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