Name: Instant Pot Lentil Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup brown dried lentils (rinsed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon curry powder; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1 small onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (chopped); 1 inch ginger (grated); 1 sprig thyme; 1 cup coconut milk; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper (whole); 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Lentils are not just inexpensive but also a rich source of protein. Keeping the many benefits of lentils in mind. This lentil curry is delicious, flavorsome, and rich. The lentil curry gets its flavors and aroma from curry powder, thyme, and scotch bonnet.

Furthermore, the richness and creaminess are the results of coconut milk. All-in-all, this lentil curry is a perfect choice for every occasion. as a cherry on the top, cook it in an instant pot, and you will get a bowl of delicious, perfectly cooked rice curry in no more than 20 minutes. Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas Curry and Instant Pot Vegan Jackfruit With Potato Curry.

What Is Lentil Curry?

Lentil curry is a popular vegan curry recipe made from lentils. The curry is flavorful, healthy, wholesome, fulfilling, scrumptious, and versatile. It is perfect for every occasion.

Why Cook Lentil Curry In An Instant Pot?

If you have an instant pot at home, you will know about its many benefits. This kitchen appliance is impressive. Since it is an instant pot, it cooks everything instantly. However, if you don’t have an Instant Pot here is the stovetop version of Coconut Lentil Curry.

Furthermore, it is also versatile. So, if you have an instant pot in your kitchen that you don’t use very often, now is the time to start enjoying its many benefits. Here is why you should make this lentil curry in an instant pot:

It is super quick, takes about 20 minutes to get this scrumptious curry on the plate.
It is convenient. Since it is a one-pot working, it is super convenient to use. You can select the options, and that’s it.

Health Benefits Of Lentils

Lentils are a staple in many countries for centuries. That’s because not only are they economical, but they are also jam-packed with several health benefits. If you are among those who haven’t incorporated lentils in their diet, here is why you should start eating lentils more often:

Lentils are rich in nutrients and minerals like folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, etc.
These are high in dietary fiber, which makes them ideal for improving your digestive health. They also help in regulating bowel movements.
These are an excellent source of plant-based protein, therefore, are a perfect substitute for meat.
Since it is rich in soluble fiber, it helps in lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.
Because it is rich in magnesium and folate, it also promotes heart health. It also protects the heart from several diseases like stroke etc.
It also regulates the level of sugar in the blood.
Since it is a rich source of iron, it helps to provide energy to the body.
Lentils also aid in weight loss. That’s because a cup of cooked lentils contains about 230 calories. As a result, it makes you feel full for longer.

Do You Need To Soak Lentils Before Cooking In An Instant Pot?

The answer to whether to soak lentils before cooking or not is a big debate. However, in my opinion, it is your choice. The main reason people soak lentils before cooking is to soften them up. This way the cooking time will be reduced. However, when you are making it in an instant pot, you don’t really have to worry about the cooking time.

That is because the instant pot is designed to cook food instantly. Thus, you don’t have to soak lentils before cooking them in an instant pot. However, it does recommend you rinse it a couple of times. This way, you will get rid of the dirt and debris.

A word of caution: soaking lentils removes naturally existing anti-nutrients and makes them easy to digest. So, for people who have gas troubles or a weak digestive system, I recommend they soak lentils for about 20 minutes before cooking.

This way, the cooked lentils won’t cause you gas trouble. Also, remember, if you are soaking lentils, the cooking time in an instant pot will be reduced by 2 minutes.

Ingredient Breakdown

Lentil curry is a very simple dish. It requires simple ingredients that are always available in every vegan kitchen pantry. Furthermore, because lentils are cheap, this curry is very economical. Here is a detailed breakdown of all the ingredients you need for this curry:

Lentils: I have used dried brown lentils for this recipe. However, you can use green lentils as well. Brown lentils have a subtle and earthy flavor which I really like.
Olive Oil: You can also use coconut oil or avocado oil for its amazing benefits.
Curry Powder: Curry powder is a blend of several spices and is rich and aromatic. You can use any curry powder. Whether it is the Indian curry powder or the Jamaican or Thai, the main aim is to bring in flavors.
Onion: You can use either red onion or white onion.
Garlic: Garlic brings in a savory flavor. You can also use fresh garlic.
Ginger: Gives your curry that warm burst of flavor with a mildly spicy taste.
Thyme: Thyme has a robust, earthy, and minty flavor and a strong aroma. It gives the curry a new dimension and depth of flavors.
Curry Powder: Curry powder is a blend of several spices and is rich and aromatic. You can use any curry powder. Whether it is the Indian curry powder or the Jamaican or Thai, the main aim is to bring in flavors.
Turmeric: adds a boost of color to your curry.
Cumin: adds more depth to your curry flavor.
Salt: Makes all the flavors pop, I used Himalayan pink salt.
Vegetable Broth: Most people use water for cooking lentils, but the vegetable broth is a better option. It adds flavor to the lentils.
Coconut Milk: No curry is complete without coconut milk. It makes the curry thick and rich.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper: To bring in heat, I love to use scotch bonnet pepper. You can use either fresh pepper or its powder.

How To Make Instant Pot Lentil Curry?

Making lentil curry in an instant pot is super easy; all you have to do is follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Firstly, rinse lentils two to three times to get the lid of the dirt and debris.

Step 2: Select sauté and heat oil in an instant pot.

Steps 3: Add onion, garlic, ginger, thyme and cook stirring until onion softens about 2 minutes

Step 4: Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Stir in the lentil to coat with the sauteed veggies.

Step 6: Select cancel. Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, Scotch Bonnet pepper, Mix well so that the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 7: Seal the lid tightly and cook at high pressure for about 10 minutes. Once the timer is up, naturally release the pressure.

Step 8: Mix well and serve.

Other Vegan Lentil Recipes

How To Store Instant Pot Lentil Curry?

You can store the left-over lentil curry by placing it in an air-tight container and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, make sure the curry is at room temperature before storing it.

Furthermore, you can also freeze the lentil curry for up to three months. Place it in an air-tight container or Ziplock bag and freeze. And when you want to reuse it, simply thaw them and reheat. It will turn as good as new.

What Goes Well With Instant Pot Lentil Curry?

Lentil curry is versatile so that you can serve it with several different dishes. Although you can enjoy it as a soup, here are a few sides that go very well with the instant pot lentil curry:

Coconut rice: Delicious, slightly sweet coconut rice is a perfect side to coconut curry. The flavors and textures go very well together.
Cauliflower rice: you can also enjoy lentil curry with cauliflower rice. It is ideal to satisfy your vegetable cravings.
Garlic bread: serve lentil curry alongside vegan garlic bread.
Flatbread: lentil curry is traditionally served with flatbread In south Indian cuisine. The two things go really well together.
Cilantro Lime Quinoa: this easy quinoa is a great low-carb alternative, and it is so easy to prepare.

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