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.
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