Quick and tasty stewed lentils with the Instant Pot, a healthy and delicious side dish or main course ready in just a few minutes thanks to the electric pressure cooker.
The Instant Pot (or more generally, electric multicookers) is an essential ally in my kitchen: it allows for programming, safe cooking, and saving valuable time without sacrificing the authentic taste of traditional dishes. Preparing stewed lentils with this method means having a hot, protein-rich dish in less than 15 minutes, perfect as a second course or as a base to accompany meat, fish, or grains.
In this recipe, I’ve chosen 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. The cooking is very fast: just 9 minutes under pressure to get soft and tasty lentils, perfect for those with little time but who don’t want to give up a homemade meal.
Stewed lentils are a classic of Italian cuisine and can be adapted in many ways: you can add spices, herbs, vegetables, or even pancetta and sausage to make them richer. With the Instant Pot, you can experiment without fear of failure, as the even cooking guarantees great results every time.
If you have never tried cooking lentils with an electric pressure cooker, this recipe is the perfect starting point: simple, fast, 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 at the end of the page.
Other recipes you might like:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- 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 Instant Pot
- 8.8 oz lentils
- 3.2 cups water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion
- to taste salt
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
Tools
- Colander
- Instant Pot
Recipe for Stewed Lentils with the Instant Pot
Start the preparation of the stewed lentils with the Instant Pot by thoroughly rinsing the lentils: make sure to remove any traces of dirt and small stones that may be present.
Place the rinsed lentils in a measuring cup and check the level, then pour them into the Instant Pot.
At this point, add water in a quantity that is three times the volume of the lentils.
Continue with a coarsely chopped onion, two tablespoons of tomato paste, and a pinch of salt (I used coarse salt, but it’s indifferent).
Close the Instant Pot with the lid and make sure the valve is closed.
Select the PRESSURE COOK program and set it to medium pressure for 8-9 minutes.
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 out.
Transfer the stewed lentils with the Instant Pot to a plate and dress them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Quick and Tasty Stewed Lentils with the Instant Pot
The stewed lentils with Instant Pot show how tradition and practicality can coexist in the kitchen. In a few minutes, you’ll get a genuine, nutritious, and tasty dish, perfect both for daily meals and as a base for other preparations. With the electric pressure cooker, you’ll save time without sacrificing quality, bringing a simple yet always appreciated recipe to the table. Try them, and you’ll see they’ll become a real ally for your everyday dinners.
Also try the Lentil Curry.
FAQ
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking them in the Instant Pot?
No, one of the advantages of the electric pressure cooker is precisely that it reduces preparation times. You can cook dry lentils without soaking them, 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 pancetta 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 have them always ready: they keep for up to 2 months.
Can I use another type of electric pressure cooker other than the Instant Pot?
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 Instant Pot in the section Recipes with the Instant Pot.
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
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