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Trying to whip up something both fast and good for you? That can feel overwhelming. But thanks to the Instant Pot and lentils’ super flexibility, this tasty meal is a go-to for anyone who wants healthy food without the hassle. It brings tons of flavor and awesome nutrients to your table, so it’s easy to add to your weeknight rotation.
Lentils keep getting all the love because they’re packed with good stuff like fiber, protein, and a bunch of key vitamins and minerals. They can be used in all sorts of ways, letting you play with flavors and add-ins—so you never get bored.
One-Pot Magic
What makes things even easier is you only use one pot—the Instant Pot itself. It cuts down on dishes, makes the whole thing quicker, and you can do everything from sautéing to simmering right in there. That’s less mess, less time, and a lot more chill.
Carefree Cooking
Once you’ve handled the first step of frying up your veggies and spices, things are almost completely hands-off. Toss the rest in, set your Instant Pot, and go live your life while it finishes up. It’s super handy on packed days when you need a no-fuss dinner fast.
Super Fast and Simple
This meal is a snap to prep and cooks in a flash. You won’t need to wait hours like you would with a pot on the stove or a slow cooker. With the Instant Pot, you’re eating in about 15 to 20 minutes. Say goodbye to those marathon kitchen sessions.
Mix-and-Match Ingredients
You can use different lentils depending on what you like—green and brown ones stay firmer, while red or yellow get nice and soft. Want extra veggies or to shake up your spices? Go for it. Make it your own every time.
Prep Steps
What you’ll need:
- Any kind of lentils (red, yellow, brown, or green)
- Main flavor-makers (think onions, garlic, ginger)
- All your fave spices like curry mix, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, and more
- Creamy coconut milk
- Broth (veggie) or plain water for simmering
- If you want: tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers
First, sauté:
- Hit the Sauté button on your Instant Pot and drop in a little oil—coconut, olive, or avocado all work.
- Add your chopped onions, the garlic, and a bit of grated ginger. Let it cook till the onions turn see-through and you can smell all the goodness (about 5 min).
- Then shake in the spices you picked out—curry, cumin, salt, garlic powder, ginger, pepper, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg, cloves. Let everything heat up for another minute so the flavors come alive.
All-In Stage
- Add lentils and liquid:
- Pour in rinsed lentils and stir so all those spices cover them.
- Now goes the broth or water, and any extras you like (carrots, peppers, etc).
- Next up is the coconut milk, which gives you a creamy sauce—no dairy needed.
Let It Cook
- Total cook time:
- If you’re using green or brown lentils, set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure. Yellow or red lentils soften up faster, so 10 to 12 minutes is enough.
- Once the cook time is done, let the pressure drop naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release the rest.
Final Extras
- Add zing:
- Squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice at the end. It wakes things up with a bright punch.
- Top it off:
- Finish with chopped parsley or cilantro to make it look and taste extra fresh.
Packed With Protein
Lentils give you loads of protein, so if you eat plant-based, this meal’s got you covered. Each serving will help you hit your protein goals, easy.
Lots of Fiber
Lentils come with fiber that’s great for your tummy and helps keep your cholesterol in check. Plus, the fiber fills you up and keeps hunger at bay longer.
Tons of Nutrients
All those lentils and veggies bring in lots of vitamins and minerals like iron, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s a powerhouse of nutrition every time you dig in.