Lentils In A Hot Pot: A Hearty, Healthy One-Pot Wonder

Cooking lentils in a hot pot is a straightforward process that yields tasty results. The first step is to rinse the lentils and ensure they are free of debris. Then, combine the lentils with water or broth in the pot, adding a 2:1 ratio of liquid to lentils. For extra flavour, you can add spices such as cumin, onion powder, paprika, and garlic. Seal the pot and cook for around 10 minutes, or less if you are using red lentils. Once the timer goes off, release the pressure and serve.

How to cook different types of lentils in a hot pot

Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and are easy to cook. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, soups, stews, and even as a meat substitute in recipes like tacos and pasta sauce. Here's a guide to cooking different types of lentils in a hot pot or Instant Pot:

Green Lentils:

Green lentils have a slight peppery flavor and a firm texture. They are ideal for salads and side dishes as they hold their shape well. To cook green lentils in an Instant Pot, combine 2 cups of liquid (water or broth) with 1 cup of dried lentils. Add seasonings like garlic or bay leaves, but avoid salt as it can affect the texture. Cook on high pressure for 6-10 minutes, depending on your desired texture. For firmer lentils, cook for 6-8 minutes, and for softer lentils, cook for 10 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining steam.

Brown Lentils:

Brown lentils are the most common variety and have a mild, earthy flavor. They are versatile and can be used in various dishes. To cook brown lentils in an Instant Pot, follow the same instructions as for green lentils. Combine liquid and dried lentils, add seasonings (except salt), and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. If you prefer softer lentils, you can cook them for up to 12 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining steam.

Red Lentils:

Red lentils cook quickly and have a sweeter flavor. They tend to soften and puree, making them perfect for soups, curries, and Indian dal. In an Instant Pot, combine 2 cups of liquid with 1 cup of dried red lentils. Add your desired seasonings, but avoid salt as it can affect the texture. Cook on high pressure for just 2-5 minutes, depending on your desired texture. Red lentils will become mushy regardless of the cooking time. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining steam.

Black Lentils (Beluga Lentils):

Black lentils have a rich, earthy flavor and resemble caviar due to their tiny and shiny appearance. They hold their shape fairly well and are commonly used in salads. To cook black lentils in an Instant Pot, use the same liquid-to-lentil ratio as for other types. Add your desired seasonings, avoiding salt, and cook on high pressure for 6-10 minutes. For softer lentils, you can cook them for up to 10 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining steam.

General Tips:

• Before cooking, rinse the lentils in a fine-mesh sieve and pick them over to remove any debris or shrivelled lentils.
• You don't need to soak lentils before cooking them in an Instant Pot, but if you prefer, you can soak them overnight to aid digestion and reduce bloating.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the age of the lentils, with older lentils taking longer to cook.
• To freeze cooked lentils, store them in ziplock bags and freeze them flat to save space in your freezer. Cooked lentils can be frozen for up to three months.

Enjoy experimenting with cooking different types of lentils in your hot pot!

How to cook lentils on a hot pot without soaking

Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and can be used in a variety of recipes. Here is a guide on how to cook lentils on a hot pot without soaking them beforehand.

Preparation

First, rinse the lentils under cold running water and check for any rocks or debris. You can use a colander for this step.

Cooking the lentils

For every 1 1/2 cups of lentils, use 3 cups of water or broth. You can use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or bone broth for added flavour. Place the rinsed lentils, liquid, and any desired spices into the hot pot. Some suggested spices include cumin, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

Secure the lid on the hot pot and set the steam valve to the "sealing" position.

Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. It will take about 15 minutes for the pressure to build, and then the countdown timer will start.

Once the timer goes off, do a quick release by turning the sealing valve.

Seasoning and serving

After releasing the pressure, remove the lid and season the lentils with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavour. Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro can also be sprinkled on top.

The cooked lentils can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips

• No soaking is required when cooking lentils in a hot pot, but it is recommended to give them a good rinse before cooking.
• The water to lentil ratio is important to ensure even cooking. The ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 is generally recommended, with more liquid needed if you are cooking a larger batch.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the type of lentil. Green, brown, and black lentils will typically cook in about 10 minutes, while red lentils will become mushy and only need 5 minutes or less.
• Older lentils may take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
• If you prefer firmer lentils, reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked lentils!

How to add flavour to lentils in a hot pot

Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are also easy on the budget and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some tips on how to add flavour to lentils in a hot pot:

Choose the right type of lentils

Different types of lentils have different flavours and textures. For example, red lentils have a sweeter flavour and tend to soften and break down when cooked, making them ideal for pureed soups. French lentils, on the other hand, have a peppery flavour and hold their shape well, making them suitable for salads or wraps. Brown or green lentils are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Use spices and herbs

Spices and herbs can add a lot of flavour to lentils. Cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala are commonly used spices that can enhance the flavour of lentils. You can also add herbs like rosemary, oregano, dill, or chives to give your lentils a fresh and earthy flavour.

Sauté aromatics

Sautéing aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger in oil before adding the lentils can add a lot of flavour to the dish. You can also add spices like cumin and ginger if you're cooking Indian food, or onion, green pepper, and jalapeño pepper for a Mexican-inspired dish.

Use vegetable broth instead of water

Cooking lentils in vegetable broth instead of water can add more flavour and richness to the dish. You can also add other seasonings like bay leaves, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, or dried chilli peppers to the broth.

Add other ingredients

Lentils can be paired with a variety of ingredients to enhance their flavour. For example, you can add roasted vegetables, scrambled eggs, couscous, or pita bread to your lentil dish. You can also add a dollop of Greek yoghurt, torn cilantro, and tomatoes for a fresh and tangy flavour.

How to cook lentils on a hot pot with vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sunflower or vegetable oil plus extra for brushing
• 1 medium yellow onion, small diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• ½ swede, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium parsnip, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon miso paste
• 2 thyme sprigs, leaves picked off and roughly chopped, or 1 tsp dried thyme
• 250 g brown or green lentils, cooked
• 600-750 ml vegetable stock
• 4-6 medium potatoes, very thinly sliced (peeling is optional) – quantity depends on dish size
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan)/200°C/gas mark 6.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower or vegetable oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add your chopped onion. Sauté until soft.
• Add 2 stalks of chopped celery and a chopped carrot, stir, and reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and sweat for 5-10 minutes until starting to soften.
• Add the chopped swede and parsnip, stir, cover and sweat for a further 10 minutes.
• Stir through two tablespoons of flour then add a bay leaf, a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of miso paste, chopped leaves from two sprigs of thyme and 600ml of hot vegetable stock. Stir well.
• Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes to thicken. Add the remaining vegetable stock if the sauce becomes too thick.
• Add the cooked lentils and stir through.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer to an ovenproof dish if needed and cover with slices of potato. Brush lightly with olive oil.
• Bake in the oven for 40 minutes until the potatoes are soft and golden brown on top.
• Serve with greens or baked beans.

How to cook lentils on a hot pot with meat

Cooking lentils on a hot pot with meat is a great way to add plant-based protein to your meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of green, black, or brown lentils (for red lentils, see the instructions below)
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional)
• Meat of your choice (e.g. sausage, bacon, ground beef)
• Other vegetables of your choice (e.g. onions, carrots, celery, garlic)
• Spices and seasonings to taste (e.g. thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper)
• Water or broth

Instructions:

• Rinse the lentils in a fine-mesh sieve and pick them over to remove any debris or shrivelled lentils.
• Combine the lentils and water or broth in the bottom of your hot pot. You can add up to 1/2 teaspoon of salt if desired, but keep in mind that the lentils may turn out firmer.
• Add your choice of meat and any other vegetables you wish to include.
• Secure the lid on your hot pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the lentils simmer until they are tender. The cooking time will depend on the type of lentils and meat you are using:

• Green, black, or brown lentils: 9 minutes for firmer lentils, 10 minutes for softer lentils.
• Red lentils: 5 minutes or more (red lentils will have a mushy texture).
• Meat: cooking time will vary depending on the type and amount of meat you are using. Follow the instructions for your specific meat, or pre-cook the meat and add it to the lentils during the last few minutes of cooking.

• When the lentils and meat are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Drain any excess liquid and serve the lentil and meat mixture as desired.

Tips:

• You can also cook the lentils and meat separately and then combine them afterward. This may be preferable if you are using a type of meat that requires a significantly different cooking time than the lentils.
• If you are using an electric pressure cooker like an Instant Pot, you can simply combine the lentils, water or broth, and meat in the pot, secure the lid, and cook at high pressure for the recommended time.
• Don't add salt or acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice until the lentils are tender, as these can interfere with the softening process.
• Lentils are a versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of dishes. Try using your lentil and meat mixture in soups, curries, salads, tacos, or as a filling for baked potatoes.

Frequently asked questions