Quick and tasty stewed lentils with the Instapot, a healthy, delicious side dish or main course ready in just a few minutes thanks to the electric pressure cooker.
The Instapot (or more generally electric multicookers) is an indispensable ally in my kitchen: it allows you to schedule, cook safely, and save valuable time without sacrificing the authentic flavor of traditional dishes. Preparing stewed lentils with this method means having a warm, protein-rich dish in less than 15 minutes, perfect both as a main course and as a base to accompany meat, fish, or grains.
In this recipe, I chose a simple and light version, with few ingredients: onion, tomato paste, water, and of course lentils. Everything is flavored with a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil that enhances the taste of the dish. Cooking is very quick: it only takes 9 minutes under pressure to get soft and tasty lentils, perfect even for those who have little time but do not want to give up a homemade meal.
Stewed lentils are a great classic of Italian cuisine and lend themselves to many variations: you can add spices, aromatic herbs, vegetables, or even bacon and sausage to make them richer. With the Instapot, you can experiment without fear of making mistakes because the uniform cooking always guarantees excellent results.
If you’ve never tried cooking lentils with an electric pressure cooker, this recipe is the perfect starting point: simple, quick, and accessible to everyone.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I have answered some questions about this preparation. If you have any other doubts or curiosities, write a comment or use the contact form you find at the end of the page.
Other recipes you might like:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Instant pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 240.05 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 41.93 (g) of which sugars 2.42 (g)
- Proteins 15.72 (g)
- Fat 1.86 (g) of which saturated 0.27 (g)of which unsaturated 0.46 (g)
- Fibers 7.13 (g)
- Sodium 110.42 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 200 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Stewed Lentils with the Instapot
- 8.8 oz lentils
- 3.17 cups water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 onion
- to taste salt
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
Tools
- Colander
- Instant pot
Recipe for Stewed Lentils with the Instapot
Begin the preparation of the stewed lentils with the InstaPot by thoroughly rinsing the lentils: make sure to remove all traces of dirt and any small stones that might be present.
Put the rinsed lentils in a measuring cup and check the level, then pour them into the Instapot.
At this point, add water equal to 3 times the volume of the lentils.
Continue with one coarsely chopped onion, two tablespoons of tomato paste, and a pinch of salt (I used coarse salt, but it doesn’t matter).
Close the InstaPot with the appropriate lid and make sure the valve is closed.
Select the PRESSURE COOK program and set it to medium pressure and 8-9 minutes of duration.
If you need to keep them warm, leave KEEP WARMING on, otherwise turn it off.
When the lentils are cooked (a beep will sound), carefully open the valve and let all the steam escape.
Transfer the stewed lentils with the InstaPot to a plate and dress them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Quick and Tasty Stewed Lentils with the Instapot
The stewed lentils with Instapot demonstrate how tradition and practicality can coexist in the kitchen. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a genuine, nutritious, and tasty dish, perfect for everyday meals or as a base for other preparations. With the electric pressure cooker, you’ll save time without sacrificing quality, bringing to the table a simple but always appreciated recipe. Try them, and you’ll see they become a true ally in your everyday dinners.
Also try the Lentil Curry.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking in Instapot?
No, one of the advantages of the electric pressure cooker is precisely that it reduces preparation time. You can cook dry lentils without soaking, in just 9 minutes.
Can I add other vegetables or flavors to the recipe?
Yes, stewed lentils are very versatile. You can enrich them with carrots, celery, bay leaves, rosemary, or spices like cumin and turmeric. For a richer version, try adding bacon or sausage.
How to store stewed lentils?
Once cooled, transfer the lentils to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them in portions to always have them ready: they keep for up to 2 months.
Can I use another type of electric pressure cooker besides the Instapot?
Of course! The recipe works with any multicooker equipped with a “Pressure Cook” function. The times remain practically unchanged.
You can find all the recipes made so far with the InstaPot in the section Recipes with the Instapot.
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
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