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Instant Pot Lentil Recipe: Simple & Flavorful Instant Pot Lentil Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

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Instant Pot Lentil Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

Written by: Emily Smith

This lentil delight is my go-to comfort food. It's hearty, packed with veggies, and spiced just right. The instant pot does all the work, making it a breeze to whip up!

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I stumbled upon this lentil gem while experimenting with my Instant Pot. Craving something hearty yet quick, I tossed together pantry staples and voilà! This one-pot wonder emerged, bursting with flavor. Rich tomatoes, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, and tender vegetables meld beautifully, creating comfort food magic. Best part? Minimal effort required! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Let's dive into this lentil delight that's become my go-to vegetarian crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for This Delightful Lentil Dish

  • Dried lentils: High in protein and fiber, they add heartiness and texture to the dish, making it a satisfying meal.
  • Onion: Adds a savory depth of flavor and sweetness when cooked, enhancing the overall taste of the lentil delight.
  • Garlic: Infuses a pungent and aromatic flavor, elevating the dish with its unique taste and aroma.
  • Carrot: Brings a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color, balancing the flavors in the lentil stew.
  • Celery: Provides a subtle earthy flavor and a pleasant crunch, adding complexity to the lentil dish.
  • Diced tomatoes: Offers a burst of tangy sweetness and acidity, creating a flavorful base for the lentil stew.
  • Vegetable broth: Enhances the overall savory profile of the dish, adding depth and richness to the lentil delight.
  • Cumin: Imparts a warm and earthy flavor with a hint of citrus, adding a distinct spice to the lentil stew.
  • Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the other spices and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  • Fresh parsley: Provides a fresh and herbaceous finish, brightening up the lentil stew with its vibrant color and flavor.

Essential Tools for Making Instant Pot Lentil Delight

  • Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the lentils quickly and efficiently.
  • Knife: Needed for chopping the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery for the recipe.
instant-pot-lentil-recipe-simple-flavorful

Instant Pot Lentil Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

This Instant Pot Lentil Recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Packed with vegetables and spices, it's a nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vegetarian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions: 

  • Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
  • Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add a bit of oil and sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and rinsed lentils to the Instant Pot.
  • Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
  • Stir the lentil mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve the lentils hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes:

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 1gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 15gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 5mg

Keywords:

Keyword Healthy, Instant Pot, Lentils
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Prep Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead Instructions

  • Cook the lentil delight as per the recipe instructions.
  • Allow the dish to cool completely.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

  • Portion the cooled lentil delight into freezer-safe containers.
  • Label the containers with the date.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and can help lower cholesterol levels due to their high fiber content.

Common Questions About This Lentil Recipe

FAQ:
Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of lentils, but cooking times may vary.@
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables.@
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using an instant pot?
Yes, you can make this lentil dish on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients until the lentils are tender.@
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.@
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the recipe. Enjoy!@

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