Instant Pot Lentils | {Stove Top Version}

This instant pot lentils recipe is such a family favorite that there are almost always lentils in our fridge.

I make these lentils a lot. You can use them in so many different ways. I love to put them in flour tortillas, the way you see them here. But I also love them on their own as a side dish.

This combination of ingredients makes the lentils slightly sweet, hearty and delicious.

I look forward to blogging about some of the other recipes I make with these pressure cooker lentils.

You’re going to love them.

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Ingredients and substitutions

• Black lentils – These are my favorite lentils by far, but you can use any type of lentil you prefer.
• Onion – I use the sweet Vidalia onions just about every time I cook with onions.
• Beef broth – I love the deep flavor of this broth and get it (and the chicken broth) from Trader Joe’s. It’s robust, organic and doesn’t contain anything I don’t want to put in my body.
• Tomato paste – I love the flavor tomato paste adds to lentils. I use the canned kind in this recipe, but if you have the paste in a tube, since it’s concentrated, use 2 tablespoons.
• Ground cumin – This spice is so versatile, it goes in a lot of my dishes. I always use organic.
• Ground basil – Although I use this herb just about every time I make this recipe, I’ve also used oregano or parsley.
• Ground chipotle powder – If I were eating this dish by myself, I’d put at least a half teaspoon in the lentils, if not more. I love the smokey flavor and the heat chipotle brings to the dish. But since hubby can’t take the heat, I put in only a few shakes.
• Bay leaf
• Garlic paste – you can find this in the produce section in the grocery store. It comes in tubes. If you would rather fresh garlic, substitute a clove per teaspoon.
• Salt

Helpful tips

• If you don’t have a pressure cooker, don’t worry, I also include a stovetop version in the notes section of the recipe card.
• I absolutely love black lentils. They are small and round and they have a very satisfying taste, but if you can’t find them (I get them at Whole Foods) you can use whichever type of lentils you like. French lentils are also a great choice, just saying.
• If I’m making this recipe on the stove top, I soak the lentils for a half hour before starting.
• I always wash grains and lentils. Here’s how: I add lentils to a fine meshed strainer and place in a large bowl and run water over the legumes. Swish your fingers through the lentils. Drain the water and repeat.
• If you feel like your instant pot is taking longer than normal to come to and release the pressure, then it’s a sign to replace your sealing ring.
• In this recipe, I’m using beef broth, but I use chicken broth and beef broth interchangeably.
• When I use the instant pot, I don’t sauté the onion anymore because I’ve tried it both ways and it really doesn’t change the taste, so I save calories by not using olive oil.
• How to do a quick release: Let your cooker rest for 5 – 10 minutes before putting on an oven mitt. Nudge the knob to the venting position keeping yourself clear of the valve. Be careful, the steam will be hot. Let the steam release and wait for the silver pressure gauge to drop back into the lid before attempting to open the pressure cooker.

How to make instant pot lentils

Pre-step

Get out your instant pot or pressure cooker and wash the lentils.

Step two

Gather the ingredients – black lentils, onion, cumin, basil, chipotle powder, broth and tomato paste. (A)

Step three

Peel and chop the onion and add it to the instant pot container. (B)

Step four

Add lentils to the container with the onion. (C)

Step five

Add basil, cumin, salt, bay leaf, chipotle powder and garlic paste. (D)

Step six

Add tomato paste. (E)

Step seven

Add broth and stir with a wooden spoon to break up the tomato paste. (F)

Step eight

Place the lid on the pressure cooker and seal it. Make sure the venting knob is in the sealed position.

Press the pressure cooker button, make sure the pressure is set to high and the mode is normal. Set the time to 10 minutes.

The instant pot will take up to 20 minutes to come to pressure.

Once the instant pot beeps that it’s done, you can do a quick release after 10 minutes (see helpful tips or notes on how) or you can let it release the pressure naturally.

See how robust and delicious they look?

Time to add the lentils to flour tortillas for tacos. I add refried beans and sautéed cauliflower.

I sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese on one and leave the other plain.

So good! You have to try them.

I hope you enjoyed this instant pot lentils recipe. It’s such a versatile dish.

Other delicious side dishes

• Black beans
• Mushroom rice
• Squash souffle

And always, may all your dishes be delish!

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!