These Mexican inspired instant pot lentils are fast, easy to make and super tasty! They make the perfect quick meal any day of the week and taste even better when you make cheesy lentil tacos.
I love meat but whenever I feel like having a quick plant-based meal these Instant Pot lentils are our go-to. I love that lentils are so inexpensive, filling, high in protein, super easy to make, and very versatile on the different ways you can eat them. My favorite way to have lentils is by making lentil tacos.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Lentils are a great source of fiber, iron, protein and have other great benefits.
- They are a good meat replacement and a great add-on to balance any meal.
- So easy to make and versatile
Ingredients and tools you'll need
- Brown lentils - plant based protein
- Chicken broth - any broth works. You can also use water but add 1 chicken bullion for more flavor
- Diced onion - I like using white or yellow onion here
- Minced garlic - for that garlicky added flavor
- Spices (paprika, cumin, oregano, black pepper and salt)
- Cooking oil - olive oil, avocado oil or any cooking oil of choice works
- Instant pot - I have the 6 QT Instant Pot Duo Plus (affiliate link) and love it.
How to cook lentils in the Instant Pot
- If you're like me and love the smell of sautéd fresh onions and minced garlic then you do not want to skip step 1. If you want to speed things up, skip step 1 and use onion and garlic powder instead.
- Step 2: Once onion and garlic are combined and fragrant, add broth, rinse lentils with water in a colander and add salt and spices to the instant pot.
- Step 3: Set your Pressure level on high for 15 minutes and let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes
Step 3: Release any left over pressure carefully, open lid and stir lentils, add more salt if needed and serve!
No instant Pot? How to cook lentils on the stovetop
- Rinse lentils in a colander with water before adding to the pot
- Add 2 ½ cups of broth or water (with one chicken bouillon cube) in a pot
- Add all spices, splash of olive oil and lentils
- Bring to a boil and lower heat
- Cover pot with a lid and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are nice and tender
How to serve instant pot lentils:
- Make crispy lentil tacos- you can swap in lentils in this air fryer beef taquitos recipe
- Serve with minced onion and chopped onion on the side
- Lentils make a great combo serve with Mexican red rice
- In salads
- Lentils make a great filler in burritos
- Mixed with meats as a filler
- Toss them over anything really...
Instant Pot Lentils
Instant pot lentils are easy to make and super tasty!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 2 ½ cups broth (I use low sodium chicken broth)*
- ½ tablespoon cooking oil (I use olive oil)
- ¼ cups chopped onion*
- 1 minced garlic*
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (I use ½ teaspoon sea salt)
Toppings
- cilantro (optional)
- diced onion (optional)
Instructions
- Press the sauté button on the instant pot and add olive oil. Add onion and sauté until translucent for a minute and then add fresh garlic until fragrant
- Add your broth, spices and lentils
- Cover lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and natural release for 10 minutes
- Release any leftover pressure carefully and open lid
- Stir lentils and serve with your favorite entree or just eat alone
Notes
- Don't have broth on hand - you can use water with 1 cube of chicken bouillon
- Want to make this quicker? Skip step 1 and start with step 2 and replace with ½ tablespoon of onion powder and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead
- Recipe tested in 6 QT Instant Pot Duo Plus
Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @espressomykitchen on Instagram
Check out other easy instant pot recipes:
Alex C.
Been meaning to try this recipe for a while now and I finally did!
I've never been one for lentils, but these had an amazing aroma and flavor to them.
Definitely recommend this recipe!
Ana
Glad you tried and liked them Alex! thanks for sharing 🙂