These Instant Pot Lentils are my go-to way to cook dried brown lentils. They come out tender, so they're ready for soup, tacos, or a bowl all on their own.
I love lentils. They're a great source of protein and have great flavor. This is the method I use for making my Mom's lentil tostadas!
Quick Summary
- Tender brown lentils from the Instant Pot, about 5 servings at 142 calories each.
- 1 cup lentils to 2 cups water, 8 minutes on high pressure, then a 10-minute natural release so they hold their shape.
- How to store, freeze, and reheat a batch for later.
- Substitutions and variations to make them your own.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients
- Dried brown lentils: These are the lentils I use for this recipe.
- Broth concentrate: I love and highly recommend Better Than Bouillon vegetable base.
- Bay leaf: Optional, but it adds flavor while the lentils cook. Be sure to discard the bay leaf before serving.
How to Make Lentils In Instant Pot
This is the easiest and least messy way I know to cook lentils.
Add to Instant Pot
Add the rinsed lentils to the Instant Pot with the broth concentrate and water, and give everything a stir.
Cook & Natural Release
Lock the lid in place with the valve set to seal, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. When it beeps, let the pressure come down on its own for 10 minutes. Then turn the valve to release whatever pressure is left. Your lentils are ready to use.
Substitutions
Lentils: This recipe uses brown lentils, but green lentils work too. They cook much like brown lentils, though they may need a little longer or come out a little firmer.
Cooking liquid: Use the same amount of beef or chicken broth concentrate if you prefer. You can also use ½ to 1 tablespoon of tomato bouillon granules, for delicious tomato broth flavor instead.
Variations
- Tomato Base: Drain a quart of stewed tomatoes and use the liquid for cooking, adding enough water to make 2 cups. 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 Hearty Lentil Stew recipe on my website!
Storage
Refrigerate: store cooked lentils in an 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
- Rinsie the Lentils: Before cooking, be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust, dirt clods or small stones.
- Pressure time varies: It takes a little while for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure before the 8-minute timer starts. Allow for about 5-8 minutes added time. It may vary depending on your pot.
- Natural Pressure Release: After cooking, let the Instant Pot do a natural release for 10 minutes. It helps the lentils hold their shape and keeps them from overcooking. If you want softer lentils, use the quick release instead.
Serve with...
Serve these Instant Pot lentils over a bed of cauliflower rice and some cheesy garlic bread. They also make a great filling for tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
You May Be Wondering
No, soaking is not necessary for this recipe, as lentils cook relatively quickly in the Instant Pot.
1 cup of dried brown lentils to 2 cups of water.
Pressure cook on manual setting for 8 minutes.
If you cook them in plain water instead of broth concentrate, add salt and black pepper. For more flavor, see the variations above.
There won't be much left, and it's full of nutrients, so serve it with the lentils. Once refrigerated, as the lentils sit and cool down, they will naturally thicken and soak up any remaining liquid.
More Lentil Recipes
Looking for other lentil recipes? Try some of my other recipes below:
- Turkey Lentil Soup (Instant Pot Recipe)
- Lentil Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Lentil Loaf With Sweet and Sour Topping
- Vegetarian Tostadas - Mom's Lentil Tostadas Recipe
When you make this Instant Pot Lentils recipe, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Lentils
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 cup dried brown 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!