Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

User Reviews

5

36 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Additional Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    16 servings

  • Calories

    98 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Mexican, Vegetarian

Instant Pot Lentil Tacos

These Instant Pot Lentil Tacos use green or brown lentils cooked with onion, vegetable broth, and flavorful spices to create a rich taco filling. The lentils soften fully under pressure, absorbing the savory sauce before finishing with enchilada sauce for moisture and extra flavor. The filling’s texture is hearty yet tender, making it a satisfying base for taco night. Served with classic taco toppings and corn or flour tortillas, this versatile filling can be easily customized for taste and heat.

Description

Instant Pot Lentil Tacos combine dried lentils with aromatics like diced onion, vegetable broth, water, salsa, and a blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Pressure cooking softens the lentils efficiently in a closed environment, allowing them to soak up the spice flavors and liquids. After the cooking cycle and quick release, enchilada sauce is stirred in to provide a saucy, rich component that prevents the filling from being too thick or dry. This method yields lentils cooked through with just the right amount of tenderness.

The lentil filling can be spooned into corn or flour tortillas and topped with ingredients such as Pico de Gallo, shredded lettuce, cilantro, sliced avocado, jalapeños, hot sauce, or sour cream. This combination gives an array of textures and freshness to complement the warm, seasoned lentil base. The recipe allows flexibility in heat and toppings to suit personal preferences.

Maintaining the proper liquid-to-lentil ratio is essential to avoid burning or thickening issues in the Instant Pot. The filling can be made ahead to streamline weeknight meals, and leftovers freeze well for later use. Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your spice preferences, and experiment with different toppings to diversify flavors and presentation.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 cups lentils green or brown, dry
  • 1/2-1 cup white onion finely diced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth low-sodium
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (plus extra 1/2 cup if desired)

SERVE WITH...

  • corn tortilla crunchy or soft, or flour tortillas
  • Pico de Gallo
  • lettuce shredded
  • cilantro fresh, chopped
  • avocado sliced
  • jalapeño peppers sliced
  • hot sauce or salsa
  • sour cream or Greek yogurt, skip if vegan

Instructions

  1. Add lentils, onion, broth, water, salsa, and spices to your Instant Pot, saving the enchilada sauce for the very end after cooking (to prevent mixture from being to thick/sticking).
  2. Give the ingredients a little stir to combine and lock the lid. Ensure the valve is set to sealed position and set to manual (high pressure) for 15 minutes.
  3. It should take the IP 5-10 minutes to come to pressure, followed by the 15 minutes active cooking time. While you wait, you can either sit back and let your IP do all the work or prep your tortillas and taco toppings.
  4. When the lentils have finished cooking the timer will beep. Carefully switch the sealed valve to venting and step back as the steam releases for a "quick release."
  5. When the pin has dropped, safely remove the lid and stir in enchilada sauce. Give the filing a little taste and add any extra seasoning/spice your heart desires. They're totally customizable and can be made as spicy or as mild as you'd like.
  6. Spoon filling into your choice of tortillas and top with all your favorite vegan or vegetarian taco toppings!

Notes

  • Keep the liquid-to-lentil ratio consistent to prevent the Instant Pot from triggering a burn notice.
  • The filling can be prepared in advance and frozen for convenient future meals.
  • Customize your taco toppings freely; the recipe suggests various fresh options like Pico de Gallo, avocado, and jalapeños.
  • Adjust seasonings after cooking to tailor the spice level to your liking.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 98kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 311mg (13%) Potassium 267mg (6%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 275IU (6%) Vitamin C 1.9mg (2%) Calcium 19mg (2%) Iron 2.1mg (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 98 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 98kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 311mg 13%
Potassium 267mg 6%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 275IU 6%
Vitamin C 1.9mg 2%
Calcium 19mg 2%
Iron 2.1mg 12%

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

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Overall Rating

5

36 reviews
Excellent

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