Instant Pot Lentils Recipe
This Instant Pot Lentils recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare perfectly cooked lentils using your pressure cooker. Ideal for a variety of dishes, these lentils can be adjusted for texture from firm to mushy by simply changing the cooking time. With minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, this recipe is perfect for nutritious meals in no time.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 to 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils (red, green, or brown)
- 1 ¾ cups water
- Seasoning to taste (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or herbs)
- Add Ingredients: Place 1 cup of your chosen lentils into the Instant Pot along with 1 ¾ cups of water. Add your preferred seasoning to taste.
- Seal and Cook: Close and seal the Instant Pot lid. Select the PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL setting and set the timer based on the type of lentils: 4 minutes for red lentils, or 8 to 15 minutes for green or brown lentils. Choose the lower time for firmer lentils or the higher time for a softer, mushier texture.
- Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to continue gently cooking the lentils.
- Quick Release: After the natural release, carefully turn the valve to perform a quick release, following your Instant Pot’s instructions to safely release any remaining pressure.
- Cool and Use: Open the lid, allow the lentils to cool slightly, and then use them as desired in salads, soups, stews, or side dishes.
Notes
- For firmer lentils suitable for salads, use shorter cooking times as suggested.
- To avoid overcooking and mushy lentils, stick to the recommended pressure cook times and natural release period.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking to taste; adding salt before cooking can sometimes toughen lentils slightly.
- These lentils can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dust or debris.
Keywords: Instant Pot lentils, pressure cooker lentils, easy lentil recipe, healthy lentils, vegan lentils, quick lentils