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.
I love lentils. They are a great source of protein and have great flavor. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is in this Lentil Tostada recipe from my mom!
This recipe is the best way to cook perfect lentils. They retain their shape and don't get mushy and are perfect as part of your favorite soup or enjoy a bowl of them on their own.
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Why you'll love Instant Pot Lentils
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
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- 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 using 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.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Lentils In Instant Pot
Instant pot lentils is the easiest and less messy way to cook lentils perfectly in just a few steps!
Step 1
Place rinsed lentils, water, and broth concentrate 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.
Step 2
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. Remove lid and use lentils as desired
- Place lentils in a large colander and rinse well with cold water.
- 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.
Substitutions
Lentil substitution: while this recipe used brown lentils, you can use red lentils, green lentils, or yellow lentils in their place.
Cooking liquid: use ½ to 1 tablespoon of this tomato bouillon (affiliate link) for delicious tomato broth flavor instead of the chicken boullion.
Variations
Giving the visitor ideas on how they can change this recipe to better suit their dinner guests, or their cultural cuisine, is a great way to increase the chances they make the recipe.
- Tomato Base: 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.
- Garlic and Onion Lentils: 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
- Spicy lentils: add 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon ground cumin to the lentil mixture before cooking.
See this spicy lentil stew recipe on my website!
Storage
Refrigerate: store cooked lentils 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.
Top 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
No, soaking is not necessary for this recipe, as lentils cook relatively quickly in the Instant Pot.
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.
Serve with...
For a complete meal, serve instant pot lentils over a bed of cauliflower rice and some cheesy garlic bread. This also makes a great filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more.
More Lentil Recipes
Looking for other lentil recipes? You may like this Turkey Instant Pot Lentil Soup over on my other website, or try one of these recipes below:
When you make this Instant Pot Lentils recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Lentils
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils rinsed and drained
- 2 teaspoons vegetable broth concentrate
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Measure lentils and place in colander, rinse with cold water until water runs clear.
- 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.
Bianca says
Thank you for this recipe! I did 1lb of lentils, 6 cups water, 3 tsp of Knorr chicken and 2 tsp Himalayan salt. They came out cooked perfectly!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
I love how easy it is to make lentils in the instant pot. They turn out perfectly every single time. It's the only way I will ever make them now!