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Instant Pot Lentil Curry

Easy Instant Pot Lentil Curry with Indian flavors, not too spicy, healthy and vegan! One pot recipe with brown lentils or green lentils.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 3 cups, approx. (4 to 6 servings)
Calories: 315 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups lentils green or brown
  • ½ tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon water divided
  • 1 small shallot finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic  about 6 cloves
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder plus 1 teaspoon
  • ½ tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper use more for more spice or omit if sensitive to spice
  • 1 can light coconut milk about 14 ounces
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1/2 large lemon
  • cooked brown rice for serving
  • chopped fresh cilantro for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse and drain the lentils, then set aside. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add the coconut oil. Once the oil has melted, add 1 tablespoon water, the shallot, ginger, and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until very fragrant and the shallot is soft, about 2 minutes. Add the curry powder, coconut sugar, salt, turmeric, and cayenne and stir vigorously. Stand back and try not to breath in any of the steam coming from the pot (it’s spicy!). Add the lentils, coconut milk, and 1 cup of water. Stir to coat the lentils completely with the liquid.
  2. Hit cancel to stop the sauté function, seal the lid, then set to cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. (It will take about 8 minutes for the pressure to build, then the timer will begin.) Once the timer has stopped, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then vent to release the pressure completely. Open the lid and stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. If the curry is too thick, add a bit more water to loosen as needed. Serve hot with rice, sprinkled with cilantro.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or freeze for 2 to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The lentils thicken as they cool, so to reheat, sprinkle with a little water, vegetable or chicken stock, or coconut milk, then rewarm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding more liquid as needed.
  • I do not recommend using red or yellow lentils in the Instant Pot, as their texture is more delicate and they tend to fall apart.
  • To make on the stove: Cook the lentils (you can use any kind of lentils you like). In a separate large, rimmed skillet, sauté the shallot, ginger, garlic, and spices as directed over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, then add the coconut milk and coconut sugar. Let simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the lemon juice and cooked lentils.

Nutrition Information

Serving 0.5cup cooked lentils with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice Calories 315kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 59g (20%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 8g (16%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3cups, approx. (4 to 6 servings)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 315

% Daily Value*

Serving 0.5cup cooked lentils with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
Calories 315kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 59g 20%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 8g 16%

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