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Trying to fix a quick but healthy meal? Today's busy life makes it tough. Luckily, pressure cookers and lentils are up for the task. Instant Pot Lentil Curry is now a must-have for anyone who wants flavor, health perks, and easy work. You get a hearty meal with barely any fuss—add it to your usual dinner lineup and save some time, too.
Lentil-based dishes are trending big because they come loaded with benefits. Lentils pack protein, fiber, and tons of important vitamins and minerals. They're super flexible, so you can mess around with different spices or swap in veggies until it's perfect for you.
One Pot Magic
The best thing here? You only need one pot—the Instant Pot. Forget about a sink full of dishes. Sauté, pressure cook, and thicken your meal all in the same spot. It's less cleanup and saves you energy while you cook.
Carefree Cooking
Once you've cooked up those tasty aromatics, you're almost free. Just toss everything else in the Instant Pot, set a timer, and chill while it cooks. It's perfect for nights when you barely have a second to spare but still want a solid meal.
Super Quick Fix
You'll barely need to prep, and cook time flies by. Old-school stovetop or slow cooker versions? They drag on for hours. The Instant Pot cuts that down—think 15 to 20 minutes, tops. Great when you're hungry and don't want to wait.
Mix-and-Match Ingredients
You can use lots of types of lentils in this meal, each one changing up the bite and taste. Go for green or brown if you want more chew, or try red and yellow if you like things more creamy. Throw in whatever veggies or spices you love and make it your own.
How To Make It
What You'll Need:
- Lentils (go with any kind—red, yellow, green, or brown)
- Coconut milk
- Veggie broth or plain water
- Your favorite aromatics—think onions, garlic, ginger
- Spices like turmeric, curry powder, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and more
- Optional extras: tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers
Sautéing Smells Good:
- Hit Sauté on your Instant Pot. Add a splash of oil—olive, coconut, or avocado work.
- Toss in onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until they're soft and smell awesome. Don’t rush—give it about five minutes.
- Now add all your spices: curry powder, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic and ginger powder, coriander, turmeric, allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Let it cook another minute so those flavors pop.
Mixing Everything In
- Get Lentils and Broth Going:
- Add your rinsed lentils—make sure they get mixed up with the spices.
- Pour in your broth or water. Pop in any veggies you’re using, like carrots or bell peppers.
- Coconut milk goes in last. It makes everything creamy and yummy, but there's no dairy here.
How Long to Cook
- Time to Cook:
- Green or brown lentils need about 15 minutes under high pressure. Red or yellow ones cook in just 10–12 minutes.
- When time’s up, let the steam out naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any leftovers.
Final Touches
- Lemon or Lime Lift:
- Just squeeze some fresh lemon or lime on top to brighten up the taste.
- Top It Off:
- Scatter chopped cilantro or parsley on there for a pop of color and freshness.
Loads of Protein
Lentils bring a ton of protein, so they're super for anyone skipping meat. One bowl gives you a big chunk of what you need for the day.
Full of Fiber
Lentils are packed with fiber, which keeps things moving in your gut and might even bring down your cholesterol. Plus, the fiber fills you up, so you’re less likely to feel snacky later.
Nutrient-Packed
The lentils and veggies are bursting with iron, potassium, phosphorus, plus other nutrients your body can’t go without.