Are you ready to savor a bowl of hearty, wholesome goodness that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? This Instant Pot Lentil Stew is your ticket to a comforting meal that’s packed with nutrients and flavor! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this vegetarian delight comes together in just 40 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a rich blend of lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices without the hassle. Dive into this recipe, and discover how simple it is to whip up a satisfying stew that will warm your heart and nourish your body!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or small stones, then drain well.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pot's inner cooking surface.
- Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the vegetable mixture. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sprinkle cumin over the vegetables and stir to distribute the spice evenly.
- Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate the seasonings.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 15 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the stew. If the consistency is too thick, add a little more broth. If too thin, use the Sauté function to reduce for a few minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove any debris or stones, ensuring a clean and delicious stew.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! This enhances the flavor of your vegetables and spices, creating a more robust stew.
- Adjust Consistency: If your stew turns out too thick, simply add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, use the Sauté function to reduce it to your liking.
- Season to Taste: Taste your stew before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can brighten the flavors even more.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables or spices you love! Sweet potatoes, spinach, or even a dash of chili powder can elevate this dish to new heights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
