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5.0 from 414 votes

How to Cook Lentils in the Instant Pot

A versatile and tasty recipe that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy.

Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Total Time
32 mins
Servings: 2 cups
Calories: 339 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils (see recipe notes for details on varieties)
  • 1 3/4 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Other seasonings as desired (bay leaves, fresh or dried herbs, whole spices, chopped onions, garlic cloves, etc.)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the lentils and water or broth to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of choice. Stir to combine.
  2. Secure the lid and select the Pressure Cook setting. Set the timer to 6 to 8 minutes for al dente lentils, or 10 minutes for softer lentils.
  3. When the timer beeps, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Perform a manual pressure release to vent any remaining steam. Open the pot, discard any aromatics, and transfer the lentils to a bowl or tupperware using a slotted spoon.
  4. Store cooked lentils in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days, or freeze for 4-6 months.

Notes

  • This cook time range works well for most lentil varieties, including brown, green, French green ("Puy"), and black beluga lentils. However, it does not work for red lentils, split red lentils, and yellow split lentils (i.e., lentils that are commonly used in Indian dal recipes). 
  • For a guide on different lentil varieties and how to use them in the Instant Pot, refer to the blog post above. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 339kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 58g (19%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g Sodium 597mg (25%) Potassium 917mg (26%) Fiber 29g (116%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 37IU (1%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 60mg (6%) Iron 7mg (39%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2cups

Amount Per Serving

Calories 339

% Daily Value*

Calories 339kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 58g 19%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0.1g 1%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Monounsaturated Fat 0.2g 1%
Sodium 597mg 25%
Potassium 917mg 20%
Fiber 29g 116%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 37IU 1%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 60mg 6%
Iron 7mg 39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.