If you’re looking to save time and unlock the full potential of green lentils, using an Instant Pot is the way to go. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook lentils in the Instant Pot, ensuring perfectly cooked and flavorful results every time.
1. How to Cook Lentils in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse and Prepare the Green Lentils
Start by rinsing the green lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinsing helps remove any impurities and reduces the likelihood of foaming during cooking.
Drain the rinsed lentils and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Press the “Sauté” button on the Instant Pot and adjust it to the “Normal” or “Medium” setting.
Add a drizzle of oil to the Instant Pot and allow it to heat up for a minute.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Lentils and Seasonings
Add the rinsed green lentils to the Instant Pot, along with the bay leaf and cumin (if using).
Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that you can adjust the seasoning later if needed.
Stir all the ingredients together to combine them well.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Lentils
Pour in the water or vegetable broth, ensuring that the lentils are fully submerged.
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and adjust the time to 15 minutes on high pressure.
The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to the “Venting” position.
Wait until the pressure indicator drops, indicating that all pressure has been released, before opening the Instant Pot lid.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf from the cooked lentils.
Taste the lentils and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add additional salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
Serve the green lentils as a standalone side dish, in salads, or as a base for hearty soups and stews.
Leftover cooked lentils can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or frozen for later use.
Using the Instant Pot to cook green lentils is a game-changer, allowing you to achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful results with minimal effort. By following the simple recipe outlined above, you can enjoy tender and delicious lentils that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes.
