5 from 15 votes
Instant Pot Lentils
Instant Pot Lentils are cooked quickly using pressure, keeping them tender and flavorful. This method suits various lentil types like brown, green, French green, and black beluga. The recipe allows for simple seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional aromatics like bay leaf or garam masala. The result is lentils that can be served as a side or mixed with sauces like tahini, offering versatility in meal preparation.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
10 mins
Total Time
11 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
175 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils the cooking time works well for most lentil varieties like brown, green, French green, and black beluga
- 1 3/4 cup water chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs of your choice
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala or other spices
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Add the lentils, water, or broth to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
- Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you are using. Stir to combine.
- Close and lock the lid, point valve to Sealing (on older models), and select the Pressure Cook setting on high. Select 6 to 8 minutes for al dente lentils, or 10 minutes for softer lentils.
- When the timer beeps, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After that open the valve to release the remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the pot, discard any aromatics, and transfer the lentils to a bowl.
- Serve with tahini or white garlic sauce.
- Store cooked lentils in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days, or freeze for 4-6 months.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
175kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
29g
(10%)
Protein
12g
(24%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Sodium
299mg
(12%)
Potassium
459mg
(10%)
Fiber
15g
(60%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
20IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
30mg
(3%)
Iron
4mg
(22%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 175
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 175kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 299mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 459mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 15g | 60% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 20IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 3% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.