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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Instant Pot / Instant Pot Lentils

    Instant Pot Lentils

    Posted: Oct 3, 2020 Last Modified: Nov 14, 2022 by Carmy · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Want lentils quickly? Here’s how you can cook lentils in the Instant Pot. In 9 minutes, you can have green lentils ready to go, thanks to the pressure cooker!

    cooked green lentils in a white bowl

    How Long to Cook Lentils in the Instant Pot

    Your eyes did not deceive you. It really does only take 9 minutes to cook green lentils in the pressure cooker. It’s super quick and easy to cook green lentils with this method. Even with the 5 or so minutes, it takes to build pressure, lentils in the Instant Pot are much faster than on the stovetop.

    For softer lentils, you can cook lentils for 10-12 minutes in the Instant Pot. I personally prefer 9 minutes as they come out nice and firm, perfect for adding to other dishes such as salads without losing their shape.

    What You’ll Need to Make Green Lentils in the Pressure Cooker

    • green lentils
    • vegetable stock — I like using veggie stock to cook my lentils in to add flavour. However, you can always use water if you prefer.
    • garlic clove
    close up of dried green lentils

    What’s the Water to Lentil Ratio in the Instant Pot?

    For every 1 cup of lentils, I use 1.5 cups of liquid. I find that this is the perfect amount!

    How to Make Green Lentils in the Pressure Cooker

    dried green lentils inside of the instant pot
    • Rinse and drain the green lentils to clean out any debris.
    • Add the green lentils to the pressure cooker alongside the liquid and garlic clove.
    • Close the lid and set it to sealing. Set the pressure cooker to 9 minutes and quick release immediately when done.
    • Set aside to serve or store in an airtight container for later.

    Watch How To Make Dried Legumes

    Here’s my Youtube video on how I make dried legumes (lentils, chickpeas, and navy beans) in the Instant Pot if you’re a more visual person!

    uncooked lentils in the instant pot with vegetable broth and a garlic clove
    cooked lentils in the instant pot

    Recipe Variations

    Other “flavour enhancers” you can add to the green lentils in the Instant Pot include but are not limited to:

    • bay leaves
    • onion powder
    • dried oregano
    • dried basil
    • cumin
    • and more!
    spoonful of lentils

    Do Lentils Have to Be Soaked Before Cooking?

    Nope! No need to soak your lentils beforehand. Just make sure they are well rinsed.

    What about other lentils?

    Brown and black lentils should take around the same amount of time but I would half the time for red lentils as they will turn mushy in 9 minutes.

    Ways to Serve Lentils

    I love to meal prep buffet style. So I usually make my lentils in bulk then top off my lunches with them. In particular, I love making this simple lentil salad as well as this hummus with lentil salad recipe with pre-cooked lentils!

    Can You Freeze Lentils?

    Yes – I recommend freezing them in airtight freezer friendly containers or freezer safe bags in single portions so you don’t have to thaw them all at once when you want to eat some!

    bowl of green lentils that was cooked in the instant pot

    Instant Pot Lentils

    Want lentils quickly? Here's how you can cook lentils in the Instant Pot. In 9 minutes, you can have green lentils ready to go thanks to the pressure cooker!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 1 min
    Cook Time: 9 mins
    Total Time: 10 mins
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup dried lentils
    • 1½ cup vegetable broth
    • 1 clove garlic

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Instructions

    • Rinse and drain the green lentils to clean out any debris.
    • Add the green lentils to the pressure cooker alongside the liquid and garlic clove.
    • Close the lid and set it to sealing. Set the pressure cooker to 9 minutes and quick release immediately when done.
    • Set aside to serve or store in an airtight container for later.
    Tried this recipe?Did you make this recipe? I’m always so happy to hear about it! I’d love to see how it turned out. Tag me at @CarmysHungry on Instagram so I can see it! If you enjoyed the recipe, I’d really appreciate a comment with a 5 star rating! ♥

    Nutrition Per Serving

    Serving: 4servings | Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 19IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 4mg
    Author: Carmy
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Healthy, Instant Pot

    More Instant Pot Basics

    • Instant Pot White Navy Beans
    • Instant Pot Garbanzo Beans
    • Instant Pot Whole Chicken
    • Instant Pot Beets
    • Easy Peel Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
    • Instant Pot Acorn Squash

    Other places to connect with me
    Instagram: @carmyshungry
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmyycom
    Email: [email protected]

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathleen

      October 08, 2020 at 9:45 pm

      5 stars
      Gosh the Instant Pot is the best! I love the flavor variation ideas!

      Reply
      • Sara

        March 29, 2021 at 9:04 pm

        5 stars
        This was so good! the tartness of the lemon the sweetness of the peas the contrast was like a warm spring breeze and sun on your face after a long cold winter. If I could give it more than five stars I would. Seriously yummy!

        Reply
    2. Sarah

      May 10, 2021 at 11:25 pm

      5 stars
      Mine turned out perfectly. Thanks!!!

      Reply

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