Instant Pot Lentils
Equipment
- 1 instant pot 6 to 8-qt
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole brown lentils uncooked (or green lentils but not red lentils because it'd alter the cooking time and liquid ratio)
- 15 oz can diced fire-roasted tomatoes juices included
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 small white onion small diced (or yellow onion)
- 2 stalks celery chopped (For a more authentic dish swap for zucchini or eggplant, about ¾ cup)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. Or about 4 cups chopped sweet potatoes. You may replace it with chopped peeled pumpkin, or potatoes for a more savory stew)
- 1 teaspoon salt or adjusted according to your taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika you may use sweet or hot paprika if you prefer -- If you have it at home, also add about ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric to this stew)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne or use harissa; or omit for non-spicy version
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup for a non-vegan recipe, replace it with honey
- 2 cups vegetable stock chicken broth for a non-vegan version -- For a more saucy stew, add about an extra ½ to ¾ cup of broth.
To add after cooking:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients into the stainless-steel bowl of a 6 or 8-qt Instant Pot (except the lemon juice and parsley).
- Put the lid on and turn the valve to 'sealing'. Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, depending on if you prefer your lentils to be firmer (al dente) or softer (almost falling apart or creamy lentils). TIP: If your IP has a button for stews, press that button and manually adjust the time setting to 12 or 15 minutes.
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release its pressure for 8-10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure. Remove the lid, and gently stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve it with khobz (similar to pita bread) and/or basmati rice, couscous, or quinoa.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- Fridge: Store cool leftovers in an airtight container or portion them out into 2-cup meal prep containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat your Instant Pot lentils in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, until hot.
Nutrition
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Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.