How To Cook Red Lentils In Instant Pot

Cooking Red Lentils in the Instant Pot: A Quick and Easy Guide

Red lentils are not only delicious and flavorful, but they are also packed with nutrients that can benefit your overall health. If you own an Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat because it’s the perfect kitchen tool to cook red lentils to perfection. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking red lentils in the Instant Pot, ensuring a hassle-free and mouthwatering experience.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup of red lentils
• 2 cups of water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (such as cilantro or parsley)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by rinsing the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. Plug in your Instant Pot and select the “Saute” function. Once it’s heated, add the olive oil, cumin, and paprika. Sauté the spices for about a minute to release their flavors.
3. Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot and stir them well to coat them with the spices.
4. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, making sure all the lentils are submerged.
5. Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure valve to the sealing position.
6. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting, and adjust the cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure.
7. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to the venting position.
8. Open the Instant Pot lid and give the lentils a gentle stir. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
9. Your red lentils are now ready to be served! Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a vibrant touch.

Now that you know how to cook red lentils in the Instant Pot, you can create a variety of delicious dishes. Enjoy them as a standalone side dish, make flavorful lentil soups, or even use them as a filling for wraps and sandwiches. Red lentils are versatile and easy to incorporate into your favorite recipes.

The Instant Pot makes cooking red lentils a breeze, saving you time and effort in the kitchen without compromising on taste. So, the next time you’re craving a nutritious and satisfying meal, reach for your Instant Pot and whip up a batch of perfectly cooked red lentils!