Cooking Lentil Rice Blend: Instant Pot Magic

Cooking lentils and rice in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal. This one-pot meal is perfect for those who are short on time or want a simple dish to prepare. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook lentil rice blend in an instant pot:

- Use long-grain brown rice for the best results. Avoid quick-cooking or minute rice as it will turn mushy.

- For the lentils, opt for dry brown or green lentils. Red lentils tend to break down and may not hold their shape during the cooking process.

- Sautéing the rice in oil before adding water and lentils is crucial. This step ensures the rice doesn't become mushy and adds a nice texture to the dish.

- The instant pot is a versatile appliance, allowing you to cook the lentils and rice together or separately, depending on your preference.

- You can also add various spices and ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as garlic, cumin, curry powder, or even smoked paprika for a smoky taste.

- The cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice and lentils used, but generally, it takes around 15-25 minutes at high pressure.

- Remember to let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

- This dish can be served as a plant-based main course or a side dish. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

What ingredients do you need?

The ingredients you need for lentil rice blend in an instant pot are:

• Lentils — You can use any type of lentils, but brown lentils are recommended as they retain their shape and have a unique taste. French lentils are also a good option as they hold their shape better than green lentils. Avoid red lentils as they will not stand up to the cooking time for the rice, and you’ll end up with mush.
• Rice — Use long-grain brown rice for the best results. Avoid quick-cooking or "minute" rice as it will turn out mushy. Brown basmati rice or short-grain brown rice works well.
• Onions — Red or purple onions are recommended for better flavour, but you can use any type of onion.
• Bell Peppers — Red bell peppers are the sweetest and will give the dish the best flavour, but you can use any colour pepper.
• Mushrooms — White or brown mushrooms will work.
• Oil — Use any light-flavoured oil, such as coconut oil.
• Garlic — Mince at least 6 cloves of fresh garlic, or use garlic powder or granules.
• Spices — You'll need ground cumin, curry powder (or garam masala), smoked paprika, and fennel seeds.
• Broth — Use vegetable broth with no sugar added and low sodium.
• Salt and Pepper — For seasoning to taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar — This is an optional ingredient that can be added at the end to enhance the flavour.

How do you prepare the instant pot?

Preparing your instant pot for cooking lentils and rice is easy. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The ingredients you will need are:

• Oil (any light-flavoured oil of your choice, such as coconut oil)
• Spices (garlic powder, ground cumin, and curry powder)
• Vegetables (red onion, red bell pepper, and white mushrooms)
• Dry brown lentils
• Brown rice (long-grain or basmati)
• Vegetable broth

You may also add salt and black pepper to taste.

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it is time to prepare your instant pot. Here are the steps to follow:

• Put the vegetables (red onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms) into the instant pot insert along with the oil.
• Press the "Sauté" button and cook the vegetables until they are wilted and the onions are translucent.
• Add in the spices (garlic powder, cumin, and curry powder) and stir well.
• Add the dry brown lentils and brown rice. Stir again to coat the rice with the spices.
• Finally, add in the vegetable broth and stir well.
• Press the "Off" or "Cancel" button on your instant pot. Put the lid on, close the vent, and then press the "Manual" button.
• Adjust the time to 23-24 minutes on high pressure.
• Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural release for 10-15 minutes. Then, open the vent to release any remaining steam.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir, and serve.

Your instant pot is now ready to serve delicious and healthy lentils and rice!

What is the cooking time?

The cooking time for lentil rice blends varies depending on the type of lentil and rice used, as well as the method of cooking. Here is a breakdown of the cooking times for lentil rice blends in an instant pot:

Instant Pot Lentils and Rice:

When cooking lentils and rice together in an instant pot, the cooking time can range from 15 to 24 minutes on high pressure. It is important to note that the type of lentil used can affect the cooking time. For example, green or brown lentils are recommended as they hold their shape better than red lentils, which tend to break down during cooking. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid using quick-cook or "minute" rice, as these will turn mushy.

Instant Pot Mujadara (Lentils and Rice):

For this Middle Eastern dish, the cooking time is 15 minutes on low pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. This recipe also includes a step of sautéing the rice in oil before adding water and lentils, which helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

Instant Pot Winter One-Pot Lentils and Rice:

This recipe calls for a cooking time of 23 minutes on manual/high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release. It includes a variety of ingredients such as rutabaga, rosemary, and marjoram, making it a flavorful and nutritious option.

Other Factors Affecting Cooking Time:

The cooking time for lentil rice blends in an instant pot can also depend on the specific model of the instant pot, the amount of ingredients used, and personal preferences for texture. It is always a good idea to refer to the instant pot's instructions and adjust the cooking time as needed. Additionally, some recipes may require a natural pressure release, while others may allow for a quick release, which can affect the overall cooking time.

How do you release the pressure?

Releasing the pressure is an important step in cooking lentil rice blends in an instant pot. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

After the instant pot beeps, indicating that the cooking process is complete, it's time to release the pressure. There are two common methods for releasing pressure in an instant pot: the natural release method and the quick release method. For this lentil rice blend, we'll be using a combination of both methods.

Firstly, perform a natural release for 15 minutes. During this time, the instant pot will slowly and gradually release the pressure that has built up during cooking. This slow release helps to ensure that the rice and lentils continue to cook gently and prevents a sudden release of steam, which can be dangerous.

After 15 minutes of natural release, you can proceed to the quick release. To do this, carefully move the pressure release handle to the "Venting" position. It's important to cover your hand with a towel or hot pad while doing this to protect yourself from the steam. The quick release will release any remaining steam from the instant pot.

Once all the steam has escaped, it's safe to open the lid. Be cautious when opening, as there may still be some residual heat and steam. Season the lentil rice blend with salt and pepper to taste, give it a good stir, and it's ready to serve!

Remember to always follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your instant pot. Each model may have slightly different instructions for releasing pressure, so it's important to refer to your specific model's user manual. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked lentil rice blend!

How do you serve it?

There are many ways to serve lentil rice blends. Here are some ideas:

As a Main Course

Lentil rice blends can be served as a hearty and nutritious main course. They are a good source of protein and can be a filling and satisfying meal. You can serve them as a taco filling, in a bowl with some toppings, or as a side to grilled fish or chicken. You can also use them as a base for a salad by adding some greens, veggies, and your favourite dressing.

As a Side Dish

Lentil rice blends also make a great side dish. They can be served alongside grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. They can also be served as a simple side dish with some fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

As a Stuffing

Lentil rice blends can be used as a stuffing for vegetables, such as peppers or tomatoes. You can also use them to stuff meats, such as chicken or pork chops.

As a Base for Other Dishes

Lentil rice blends can be used as a base for other dishes, such as curries or stews. You can also use them as a base for a soup or add them to a salad.

As a Topping

Lentil rice blends can be used as a topping for salads, soups, or stews. They add texture and flavour to these dishes.

As a Snack

Lentil rice blends can be a healthy and filling snack. You can eat them as is, or you can roll them into balls and bake them for a crispy snack.

Storing and Reheating

Lentil rice blends can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to four months. To reheat, you can either microwave them or heat them in a pot on the stove, adding a little water or broth to keep them from drying out.

Frequently asked questions