Instant Pot Lentil Curry – Detoxinista

Quick and Tasty Instant Pot Lentil Curry Recipe

When you’re short on time but still want a delicious, comforting meal, this Instant Pot Lentil Curry is the answer! With minimal prep and flavorful results, it’s the perfect solution for your busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt it with any veggies or spices you have on hand.
• Quick Cooking: Ready in just about 30 minutes, including prep time.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or any color you prefer)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• A 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils (red lentils can be used, but will create a softer texture)
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 (15 oz) can coconut milk
• Fresh cilantro, for garnishing
• Lemon slices, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies

• Start your Instant Pot: Press the "Sauté" button. Add the olive oil, onions, carrots, and bell pepper, stirring until the veggies soften, about 5 minutes.
• Add Spices: Quickly mix in the garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Stir for another minute to release those wonderful aromas. Then, press "Off/Cancel."

2. Add Liquids and Lentils

• Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the cup of water and scrape the bottom of the pot with a spatula to prevent a burn error later.
• Include Lentils: Add the dried lentils, coconut milk, and salt. Stir well.

3. Pressure Cook

• Seal it Up: Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to "Sealing." Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook," setting it to cook for 5 minutes. It’ll take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.

4. Natural Release

• Let it Release: When cooking is done, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes (the display will show L0:10). After that, carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure. Wait for the float valve to drop before safely opening the lid.

5. Finish and Serve

• Sunshine in a Bowl: Stir in fresh cilantro, adjusting the seasoning as needed (you might want to add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness).
• Serve It Up: Enjoy over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Pair it with naan bread for dipping!

Make Ahead and Store

Leftovers are fantastic! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Give this quick, flavorful Instant Pot Lentil Curry a try! It’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your busy cooking repertoire. If you enjoy it, please leave a comment and let me know how you liked it!