Marianne Martinez
Cooking lentils in an instant pot is an easy and effortless way to have delicious, perfectly cooked lentils in just a few minutes. Unlike cooking lentils on the stove, you don't need to soak lentils in advance. You can simply toss all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and walk away. The cook time will depend on the type of lentil and the desired texture. For example, black beluga lentils have a hearty, full-bodied flavor and take about 6-8 minutes in the Instant Pot for a firm texture, or up to 10 minutes for a softer texture. Red lentils become mushy in the Instant Pot and take only 5 minutes to cook, making them useful for soups and stews.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking | Not required |
| Water to lentils ratio | 2:1 or 3:1 |
| Spices | Cumin, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, coriander seeds, dried chile peppers |
| Broth | Chicken, beef, vegetable |
| Cook time | 5-20 minutes depending on the lentil variety and desired texture |
| Natural pressure release time | 10-15 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for different lentil types
Cooking lentils in an instant pot is a quick and easy process. Unlike cooking lentils on a stove, there is no need to soak lentils in advance, and you don't have to worry about them burning or becoming too mushy. Simply add the lentils, liquid, and any desired seasonings to the instant pot, and you're good to go! The general rule for the water to lentils ratio is 2:1, but some people recommend a 3:1 ratio for soup.
Now, let's get into the cooking times for different lentil types:
Green Lentils
Green lentils are the most common type and can be found easily. The cooking time for whole green lentils in an instant pot is around 6-10 minutes for a firmer texture and up to 15 minutes for a softer, tender result. However, some people have reported that their green lentils turned mushy after 8 minutes with a natural release of 10 minutes. It's important to note that split green lentils will cook faster than whole ones.
French Green (Puy) Lentils
French green lentils hold their shape when cooked, making them ideal for salads. They have a pleasant peppery taste. The recommended cooking time for these lentils is 6-8 minutes in the instant pot, and they will stay firm.
Black Beluga Lentils
Black beluga lentils have a hearty, full-bodied flavor. They cook in an instant pot for about 6-8 minutes for a firmer texture, and up to 10 minutes if you prefer them softer.
Red Lentils
Red lentils tend to become mushy in the instant pot, making them useful for soups and stews. The cooking time for red lentils is around 2-5 minutes if cooked in plain water. However, if you're using them in a soup or stew, you can cook them for about 10 minutes at high pressure to allow them to disintegrate and thicken the dish.
Brown Lentils
Brown lentils are versatile and can be used in various dishes. For a firmer texture, cook them for 6-8 minutes at high pressure. If you prefer them softer, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes. For a puréed dish, soup, or stew, cook them for 15-20 minutes.
Remember, these cooking times may vary slightly depending on your instant pot and personal preferences for texture. Always refer to the recipe you are following for the most accurate cooking times and ratios.
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The benefit of using an Instapot
An Instapot is a multi-cooker that does the job of many different kitchen appliances or tools, such as a rice cooker, pressure cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and even a yoghurt maker. It is an all-in-one appliance that enhances your quality of life and encourages you to experiment more in the kitchen.
One of the main benefits of using an Instapot is the convenience and ease of use. With an Instapot, you can meal-prep a ton of lunches and dinners with much less effort. You can bulk cook and freeze, make one-pot meals, and only have the pot, a cutting board, and a knife to clean. This saves time and effort, especially when compared to cooking on a stove or in a non-pressurized slow cooker.
Another benefit is the speed at which an Instapot cooks food. For example, cooking three cups of brown rice would take over 1.5 hours in a traditional rice cooker, but it can be done in less than 30 minutes in an Instapot. Similarly, cooking beans would take at least 4 hours (plus 2 hours of soaking time) in a slow cooker, but it can be done in 20 minutes in an Instapot. The pressure-cooking function is particularly useful for speeding up the cooking process.
The Instapot is also very convenient for those who are short on storage space in their kitchens. Instead of having multiple appliances for different functions, the Instapot can replace them all and take up a fraction of the space.
Finally, the Instapot is a great option for those who are new to cooking or tend to mess up recipes. It is very difficult to mess up an Instapot recipe as it is usually a matter of pushing a button and walking away. This makes it a great option for those who want to cook at home more often but don't want to spend a lot of time and effort on it.
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Water to lentil ratio
Cooking lentils in an instant pot is a hands-free process that does not require pre-soaking or constant monitoring to prevent burning or overcooking. The water-to-lentil ratio is an important consideration when cooking lentils in an instant pot.
The recommended water-to-lentil ratio for cooking lentils in an instant pot is 2:1. This means that for every 1.5 cups of lentils, 3 cups of water or stock should be used. This ratio can be easily adjusted for larger quantities while maintaining the same cooking time. However, it is important to note that the time required for pressure build-up and release in the pot will increase.
Some people recommend a 3:1 ratio for a soupier consistency, but this may not be suitable for those who prefer their lentils less mushy. It is also important to note that using less water can result in unevenly cooked lentils, with those at the top remaining undercooked.
For green lentils, a 2:1 or 2.1:1 ratio is suggested, allowing for some leftover liquid. This ratio can be adjusted slightly depending on the desired consistency and the type of lentils used. For example, split green lentils will cook faster than whole green lentils.
Additionally, the cooking time for lentils in an instant pot varies depending on the desired texture. For firmer lentils, 6 to 8 minutes is recommended, while softer lentils may require up to 10 minutes. Red lentils, which tend to become mushy, require only 2 to 5 minutes, depending on whether they are being cooked in plain water or used in a soup, stew, or curry.
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Spices and seasonings
Some commonly used spices and seasonings for lentils include salt and pepper, which form the basis of most savoury dishes. Other seasonings that pair well with lentils are bay leaves, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, dried chilli peppers, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Fresh herbs like chopped onions, garlic cloves, and celery can also be added. For a tangy twist, a squeeze of lime can be added at the end.
For Mexican-flavoured lentils, aromatics such as onions, green peppers, and jalapeño peppers can be sautéed before adding the lentils to the Insta Pot. This provides a flavour base for the dish. Turmeric is another spice that can be added to lentils for a vibrant colour and earthy flavour.
When cooking lentils in an Insta Pot, it is important to note that the spices may become less noticeable, so it is recommended to taste and adjust the seasoning after cooking. This can be done by adding additional salt and/or a seasoning blend of your choice.
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What to serve with lentils
Cooking lentils in an Instant Pot is a convenient option as you don't need to pre-soak the lentils and can walk away while they cook. The type of lentil you use will determine the cooking time and final texture. For example, black beluga lentils take 6-8 minutes to cook in an Instant Pot and will have a soft texture, whereas red lentils become mushy and only take 5 minutes to cook, making them ideal for soups and stews.
When it comes to what to serve with lentils, there are numerous options to consider. Lentils are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to rice bowls and soups. Here are some specific ideas for what to serve with lentils:
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, delicata squash, cauliflower, eggplant, and leeks go well with lentils and provide a contrast in texture and colour.
- Meat: Leftover Easter ham or spicy ground lamb are two meat options that can be served with lentils.
- Dairy: A dollop of yogurt or some goat cheese on the side can complement the flavours of lentils.
- Salad: Lentils can be served as a salad, such as the Patricia Wells' Genius lentil salad, which includes a Dijon-shallot vinaigrette.
- Rice: Rice bowls with lentils are a filling option, and you can also serve rice with dishes such as spinach-packed dal palak.
- Bread: Naan bread is a great option to serve with lentil dishes such as dal palak.
- Spices and herbs: Cumin, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves can all be added to lentils to enhance their flavour.
Remember to adjust the spices and herbs according to your taste preferences and to consider the type of lentil you are using, as this will impact the cooking time and final texture of your dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, lentils can be cooked in an instant pot.
The cooking time depends on the type of lentil and the desired texture. Green, brown, and black lentils take 10 minutes to cook in an instant pot and will be tender but firm. For a softer texture, cook for up to 20 minutes. French green lentils take 6-8 minutes and will hold their shape, making them ideal for salads. Red lentils become mushy in an instant pot and take only 5 minutes to cook, making them suitable for soups and stews.
The recommended water-to-lentils ratio is 2:1. For example, if you are cooking 1 1/2 cups of lentils, use 3 cups of stock or water.
No, lentils do not need to be soaked in advance when cooking in an instant pot.
