Instant Pot Lentils from Zero to Hero in Minutes

Instant Pot How To Cook Lentils in Minutes Easy

By Mia WestlakeSeptember 17, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stared blankly at a bag of lentils , wondering what to do? I've been there. This Instant Pot lentil recipe teaches you how to cook lentils to perfection.

It is flavorful and surprisingly easy.

Brief Overview

Lentils have been a staple for centuries. They are a hearty and nutritious dish. This easy lentil recipe takes around 30 minutes, start to finish. This recipe will give you 4-6 servings.

Main Benefits

These lentils are packed with protein and fiber. They're a fantastic vegetarian Instant Pot recipe . What makes this Instant Pot lentil recipe special? The hands off cooking and amazing flavor.

Let's dive into ingredients and make sure you're ready.

Get Started with Instant Pot Lentils!

This is the best way to how to cook lentils ! The Instant Pot makes it unbelievably easy. You'll get perfectly cooked lentils every time.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You only need a few basic ingredients. Think olive oil, onion, garlic, and spices. Plus, of course, lentils and broth. It’s a pretty straightforward affair.

Choosing Your Lentils

Brown or green lentils work best for this recipe. Avoid red lentils unless you want soup. For the best lentils for Instant Pot , brown or green types are ideal.

We use these for pressure cooking all the time.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Prep takes about 5 minutes, mostly chopping an onion. The pressure cooking itself is 15 minutes. Then, you need a 10-minute natural pressure release.

All told, under 30 minutes for delicious lentils ! The Instant Pot pressure cooker is key here!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret to Lentil Nirvana

Right, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, this Instant Pot lentil recipe is pretty forgiving. But good ingredients make it sing .

Main Ingredients: It's All About the Lentils, Mate!

1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil. Any kind will do, don't stress!
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup or 150g). Quality? Just make sure it's not sprouting!
2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, but jarred is fine in a pinch.
1 cup ( 200g ) dried brown or green Lentils , rinsed. Seriously, rinse them! It makes a difference. For those thinking about using Best Lentils for Instant Pot , brown or green are your best friends for this Easy Lentil Recipe . Red lentils? See the variations down below!.
4 cups (950ml) vegetable or chicken broth. Broth adds SO much flavor, but water works if you're skint.
1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika. This is my secret weapon!
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) red pepper flakes (optional). For a bit of oomph !
1 bay leaf.
Salt and pepper to taste. Obvs.
1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice (optional). Brightens everything up.

Seasoning Notes: A Pinch of This, A Dash of That

Thyme and smoked paprika? Bangers. That's the base, innit? For extra flavour? Chuck in a pinch of cumin or some dried oregano.

No smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do. It won't be quite the same, but it's better than nothing! How To Cook Lentils with flair.

Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple

You absolutely NEED an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker . A 6-quart or bigger is best. Measuring cups and spoons, yeah, pretty crucial.

A chopping board and knife. Obviously. And a wooden spoon or spatula to stir things up. No fancy gadgets needed here! The Instant Pot makes the Pressure Cooking process easy as pie! The Pressure Cooker Lentil Recipes are great for quick meals.

Now you know what you will need to How To Cook Lentils in a snap! Let's get cracking! You will see How To Cook Lentils could be easy.

How To Cook Lentils in Your Instant Pot: The Ultimate Guide

Alright, let's talk lentils . Honestly, they're underrated! They are packed with goodness and super versatile. Plus, the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker makes cooking them a breeze.

No more babysitting a pot on the stove for hours. This is How To Cook Lentils the easy way!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Your Friend

First things first: the mise en place . Chop your 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Measure out your spices: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

And rinse 1 cup of lentils , it is pretty important. Having everything ready saves time and stress. It makes cooking so much smoother.

How To Cook Lentils : The step-by-step Lowdown

Alright, ready to get cooking? This Easy Lentil Recipe is so simple. Even I can't mess it up.

Sauté: Turn your Instant Pot to "Sauté." Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the onion and garlic. Cook for about 3- 4 minutes, until softened.
Add Everything Else: Toss in 1 cup of rinsed lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth), 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional), 1 bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Pressure Cooking Time: Lock the lid. Set the valve to "Sealing." Choose "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" and set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure.
Natural Release: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes . Then, carefully release any remaining pressure.
Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (if you like). Taste, and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Pro Tips for Instant Pot Lentil Recipe Perfection

Don't Overcook! Overcooked lentils are mushy. 15 minutes is perfect for brown or green lentils .
Season Later: Adding salt early can make lentils tough. Season after cooking for the best results.
Broth Boost: Using broth instead of water adds a ton of flavor to your Pressure Cooker Lentil Recipes . Trust me on this one.

And there you have it! A super easy Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes ! Enjoy your perfectly cooked lentils ! You can make a delicious Lentil Soup Recipe Instant Pot .

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's chat about some insider info on these Instant Pot Lentils . This isn't just about throwing things in a pot, you know? It’s about making magic.

A little tweaking here and there can seriously elevate your lentil game. I am going to teach you How To Cook Lentils in your Instant Pot!

Serving Suggestions

Okay, so you've got this gorgeous pot of lentils . What next? First, plating. Think rustic chic. A nice bowl, a sprinkle of fresh parsley chef's kiss .

You know? For sides, crusty bread is a must. Seriously, dipping that bread in the lentil broth is pure heaven.

And for a bevvie? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc if you're feeling fancy. Or, a good old pint of ale works a treat too.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Winner! Once cooled, bung those lentils in an airtight container. They'll happily chill in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Want to freeze them? Absolutely! Pop them in a freezer safe bag, squeeze out the air, and they're good for up to 3 months .

When reheating, a splash of water or broth helps revive them. Reheat in the microwave or on the hob until piping hot.

Variations

Fancy mixing things up? I hear you! This is an easy lentil recipe to customize. For a veggie twist, add extra veggies.

Think diced carrots, celery, or spinach. Chuck them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Want a Lentil Soup Recipe Instant Pot ? Simply add more broth and blend some of the cooked lentils for a creamier texture.

Boom!

Nutrition Basics

Let's get real about the good stuff. These lentils are packed with protein and fibre, which means they'll keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Plus, they are a great source of iron. Each serving contains roughly 200 calories, 15g of protein, 4g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 10g of fiber.

They are Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes at its finest and great for you gut. Win-win!

Alright, you've got the lowdown on serving, storing, and spicing up your Pressure Cooker Lentil Recipes . Now go forth and conquer! Mastering How To Cook Lentils using your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker is a skill for life.

Once you get the hang of it, you'll be amazed at how versatile and delicious these humble little pulses can be.

Have fun, experiment, and don't be afraid to get a bit messy. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My lentils are always mushy. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded mushy lentil! The most common culprit is overcooking. For this recipe, stick to the recommended 15 minutes on high pressure with a 10-minute natural release for brown or green lentils. Also, remember to rinse your lentils well before cooking, as this can affect the final texture.

Can I use red lentils in this Instant Pot recipe?

You absolutely can! However, red lentils cook much faster and break down more, creating a creamier texture. Reduce the cooking time to just 8 minutes on high pressure with a 5-minute natural release. They're great if you're aiming for a soupier consistency, like a dahl.

I'm a bit of a beginner. How to cook lentils in the Instant Pot without making a complete mess?

No worries, we've all been there! The beauty of the Instant Pot is its simplicity. Just follow the recipe steps carefully, making sure to use the correct amount of liquid (4 cups of broth for 1 cup of lentils). Don't skip the natural pressure release it's crucial for even cooking.

And remember, taste and adjust the seasoning after cooking to get it just right.

What's the best way to store leftover Instant Pot lentils?

Leftover lentils are your best friend! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Can I add other veggies to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Diced carrots, celery, or even some spinach added after cooking work great. You could even toss in some pre-cooked sausage to give it a protein boost, or some chorizo for a spicy twist. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Is this Instant Pot lentil recipe healthy?

You bet! Lentils are nutritional powerhouses, packed with protein, fiber, and iron. This recipe is also relatively low in fat, especially if you use vegetable broth. To keep it even healthier, watch your salt intake and load up on veggies when serving. It's a good honest meal, and that's what matters.