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An easy vegan recipe that can be made in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. These Instant Pot Lentils are fast, easy, and delicious.
Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber. Great for those looking to lose weight or maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
This recipe is also a great Trim Healthy Mama E Fuel!
What are lentils?
Lentils are a legume and part of the pulse family, along with beans and peas. As such, they're an inexpensive and healthy addition to your diet — they're full of protein and dietary fiber that help stabilize blood sugar levels.
They also contain calcium, iron, B vitamins (thiamine, folate), potassium, and zinc.
Lentils come in a variety of colors, including green, red, brown, and black, but the most commonly available are brown lentils.
What is a green lentil?
Green lentils are whole, unripe seeds of the lentil plant. They're more firm than their fully mature counterparts and have a stronger flavor.
They can be used in salads or ground into flour and added to baked goods for additional fiber and nutrients.
Green and brown lentils can be used interchangeably — while we've used brown lentils for this recipe, feel free to substitute with a green lentil if you can't find any!
What is a red lentil?
Red lentils are split and have a softer texture than other types of lentils. They're quick-cooking and don't hold their shape as well as brown or green lentils, so they're perfect for thickening soups or adding to stews.
Do you need to soak lentils?
It's up to you. Lentils are one of the faster-cooking legumes, so some people do not pre-soak them.
On the other hand, soaking does help remove some of the tough parts of the lentil which might cause stomach discomfort (if the lentils you are using are not skinned).
There is no universal right or wrong answer on this one; it's best to choose whichever approach feels most comfortable for your lifestyle!
Benefits of soaking lentils
- Reduces phytic acids
- Improves the digestion of nutrients
- Reduces cooking times
- Improves the taste and texture
- Reduces gas and bloating in your stomach
For the best results, soak your lentils for 8-10 hours in a container of filtered water and then cook them afterward.
Pre-soaking lentils: Methods:
Soak your beans overnight or for at least 8 hours with plenty of water to cover the lentils by 2 inches.
Drain and rinse well before cooking, and you're ready to go!
If you do soak them during the day, it is best to change the water and rinse the lentils every few hours as they absorb more liquid.
How do you cook lentils?
Lentils have thin skin that should be rinsed off before being cooked.
In the United States, most lentils you buy at the grocery store have already had the skins removed and are split.
While lentils don't require soaking, they do need to be boiled for 10-25 minutes (depending on the variety) until tender.
In general, the larger the size of a lentil, the longer it will take to cook.
Before cooking any type of lentils, be sure to check that there are no black or yellow dots, which may be small stones.
Discard any lentils with these specks before cooking them to avoid accidental choking!
You can add salt about halfway through this process to enhance flavor and a small piece of kombu seaweed for a burst of minerals.
What kind of lentils are best for you?
All types of lentils are healthy and have great benefits.
Lentils are high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar levels, promote digestive health, fight cancer cells, improve heart health, prevent constipation, and more.
They also provide an impressive amount of iron, which is great for red blood cell production, balancing hormones, and preventing anemia.
Lentils are also rich in essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source.
Unlike meat, they're cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat — perfect if you're vegetarian or vegan!
Lentils are also relatively inexpensive and easy to prepare, making them a great staple for your pantry.
Considered one of the most sustainable foods on earth, lentils contain high amounts of protein and only take minutes to cook — they're also an excellent source of fiber, which can help you feel full for longer.
Best way to serve lentils:
Lentils make a great side dish or base (hello vegetable burgers!), but there are plenty of other ways you can enjoy this pulse!
Try adding lentils to a curry, soup, or stew for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients. Cooked lentils can also be used as a meat substitute — they're delicious in chili or tacos!
You can easily serve a medley of different colored lentils with fresh herbs and sauteed vegetables.
Or of course, you can make this delicious Lentil Soup Recipe (recipe below)!
Instant Pot Lentils
The Instant Pot is a lifesaver for me. I can now make Instant Pot lentils in a matter of minutes - without having to hover over my stove stirring a pot!
Once cooked in the pressure cooker, you won't even notice these lentils aren't pre-soaked!
Lentils Cooking Time
Cooking time will vary according to the method of cooking being used and the type of lentils that are being cooked.
How long does it take to cook dried lentils?
It takes about 20-25 minutes for lentils to cook, depending on the variety.
But if you're using your Instant Pot for Instant Pot Lentils, it only takes 15 minutes!
You can also cook this recipe in your slow cooker, and it will take about 8 hours.
How do you know when lentils are done?
The perfect time to stop cooking lentils depends on the type of lentil you're cooking. It takes about 10-15 minutes for red or yellow lentils, up to about 30 minutes for darker varieties like green and brown lentils.
But the easiest way to tell? When they're tender enough that they can be mashed with a wooden spoon.
How much does 1 cup of dry lentils make?
One cup of dry lentils will make about 3 cups of cooked lentils.
1 cup dry lentils = 3 cups cooked lentils
½ cup dry lentils = 1.5 cups cooked lentils
⅔ cup dry lentils = 2.25 cups cooked lentils, etc
You might also want to try these other delicious Instant Pot recipes:
Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Additional flavor suggestion for adding to Instant Pot Lentils
- Fresh ginger root, finely chopped
- Lime wedges, to garnish
- Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish
Instant Pot Lentils
Ingredients
- 1 Onion diced
- ½ Pound Carrots diced
- 3 Stalks Celery diced
- 2 Cups Dried Lentils
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 5 Cups Vegetable Broth
- ⅛ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
- ½ Teaspoon Thyme
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Cups Diced Tomatoes
- 2 Cups Crushed Tomatoes
- 3 Cups Kale coarsely chopped
Instructions
For the Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot):
- Place all ingredients EXCEPT the kale in the electric pressure cooker and stir to combine. (If you are worried about getting a burn warning, place the tomatoes on top after you stir the remaining ingredients together. Then, do not stir in the tomatoes.)
- Cover and seal the pot. Select “manual” or “pressure cook” for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes prior to a quick release of the remaining pressure.
- Stir in the kale and allow it to wilt for 1 to 2 minutes.
For the Slow Cooker:
- Place all ingredients EXCEPT the kale in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Stir in the kale and allow it to wilt for 1 to 2 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
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Diana Brandmeyer
Could you use spinach instead of Kale?
Sarah Hardy
Absolutely!