Description
A quick and easy Instant Pot lentils recipe that delivers perfectly cooked lentils with minimal effort. Using the pressure cooker function, these lentils come out tender and flavorful, ideal for incorporating into salads, soups, or as a protein-packed side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils (brown, green, or black)
- 3 cups water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils: Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cold water and check to remove any small stones or debris to ensure cleanliness.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Add the rinsed lentils to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Pour in 3 cups of your chosen liquid—water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth. Add the bay leaf, peeled garlic clove, and kosher salt to the pot.
- Seal and cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and ensure the pressure release valve is set to the sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting, and set the cooking time for 9 minutes on high pressure.
- Pressure release: Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid once safe to do so.
- Drain and store: If desired, drain the lentils using a colander to remove extra liquid. Use immediately in your dish or transfer lentils to an airtight container. Store cooked lentils in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer-term storage.
Notes
- You can use any variety of lentils such as brown, green, or black, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- Using broth instead of water will add more flavor to your lentils.
- Do not overfill the Instant Pot; lentils expand as they cook.
- Natural pressure release helps avoid splitting lentils and yields better texture.
- Cooked lentils can be reheated and used in salads, soups, stews, or as a protein-rich side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Instant Pot lentils, easy lentil recipe, pressure cooker lentils, healthy lentils, quick lentils
