Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul? Look no further than this Instant Pot Brown Lentil Curry, a vibrant dish that marries the earthy flavors of brown lentils with the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also incredibly satisfying. Dive in and discover how to create a comforting bowl of goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of brown lentils, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 inch of grated ginger, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt to taste, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Rinse the brown lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any debris. Set aside.
- Turn on your Instant Pot and select the 'Sauté' function. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot and allow it to heat up for about 1-2 minutes.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the curry powder and cumin, cooking for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Add the rinsed brown lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Season with salt to taste. Make sure all the lentils are submerged in the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and adjust the cooking time to 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the pressure valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and give the lentil curry a good stir. If the curry is too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the brown lentil curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, alongside rice or naan for a complete meal.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse your brown lentils before cooking to remove any debris or dust. This simple step can greatly enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions, garlic, and ginger before adding the lentils allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving your curry a rich depth.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili when you sauté the onions.
- Consistency Matters: If you find your curry is too thick after cooking, simply stir in a bit more vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top before serving not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that elevates the dish.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Pair your lentil curry with fluffy rice or warm naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
