Looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition? Look no further than this mouthwatering Red Lentils Instant Pot recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a hearty dish that’s not only perfect for busy weeknights but also bursting with the vibrant spices of Indian cuisine. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones with a delightful bowl of creamy red lentils, garnished with fresh cilantro. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create this wholesome meal with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove any dust or debris.
- Press the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the onions, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds to release their aromatic flavors without burning.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed red lentils to the Instant Pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and ensure lentils are evenly distributed.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual or Pressure Cook function. Set the timer for 7-8 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the lentils. If the consistency is too thick, add a little more broth. If too thin, use the Sauté function to reduce.
- Season with salt to taste and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving hot.
Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Always rinse your red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any dust or debris and ensures a cleaner taste in your final dish.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Cooking the onions and garlic until they are golden enhances the overall flavor of the dish, creating a rich base for the lentils.
- Adjust Consistency: After cooking, if the lentils are too thick, simply add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. If they’re too thin, use the Sauté function to simmer and thicken them up.
- Season to Taste: Since lentils can absorb flavors, make sure to taste and adjust the salt before serving. A pinch of salt can elevate the dish significantly!
- Garnish for Freshness: Adding freshly chopped cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also provides a refreshing contrast to the earthy flavors of the lentils.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 68kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg