Hearty, deliciously spiced and a little smokey, this vegan-friendly Instant Pot lentil stew is super easy to make and will quickly become a favorite plant-based dinner recipe. Serve it with rice, potatoes or a side of toasted bread rolls or baguette.
Who doesn't love a good stew, especially when it's made with nutritious ingredients? This tasty Instant pot stew features protein-rich lentils, vitamin-loaded sweet potatoes and yummy mushrooms. It showcases just how satiating and hearty plant-based meals can be. This dish is also gluten-free.
This Instant Pot lentil stew is quick and easy to make and you can enjoy it as it is with a side of crusty bread or with some rice, pasta or potatoes. We love a dollop of yoghurt or sour cream but you can also go without, and fresh cilantro really compliments the flavours.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS LENTIL STEW
As we mentioned above, the stew if very easy to make and the only part that takes a bit of effort is the prep. You will need onions, celery and carrots, plus a bit of garlic as the base for the flavours.
We used dry green lentils but you could use any other color you like. Sweet potatoes add a bit of starch and thickness to the stew and lovely sweetness, while mushrooms add a little texture and that earthy, woody flavour.
The smokiness comes from using smoked paprika. You can use regular sweet or mild paprika or add a little chipotle chile to get some of its smokey tones. The rest is a couple more seasonings, canned chopped tomatoes and veggies stock. It turns out thick, rich and very comforting.
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT LENTIL STEW
You will find the full list of ingredients, instructions and nutrition info in the recipe card below. Here is a handy video to show you how to make this lentil stew in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, which is fuss-free and locks in all the nutrients. Stovetop instructions are provided below.
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Smokey Lentil Stew (Instant Pot & Stovetop Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced finely
- 2 celery sticks diced into small cubes
- 1 carrot diced into cubes (5 oz. / 150 g)
- 3 large cloves of garlic diced
- 5 large mushrooms diced (4-5 oz. / 125 g)
- 1.5 cups diced sweet potato (7 oz. / 220 g)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme dry rosemary or oregano can be used
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup green lentils dry, unsoaked (6-7 oz. / 180 g)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz. / 400 g)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or A1 sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 500 ml vegetable stock 2-2.5 cups
- To serve: Greek or dairy-free yoghurt or sour cream cilantro and fried shallots
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot and press the Saute function key. Once heated, add the olive oil, onions, celery and carrot and season with ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring a few times until softened.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and stir through. Press Cancel to stop the Saute function.
- Pop the lid on and close, making sure the top valve is set to Sealing. Press Manual/Pressure Cook and set to 6 minutes on HIGH pressure. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to build up the pressure.
- Once done, allow about 10 minutes for natural pressure release and then use the quick release method (point the valve to Venting) to let off the remaining pressure.
- Open and stir, taste for salt. Serve with Greek or dairy-free yoghurt or sour cream, fresh cilantro and fried shallots (if you like).
Video
Notes
Nutrition
MORE INSTANT POT RECIPES WITH LENTILS
- Thai Red Lentil Soup (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
- Lentil Shepherd's Pie (Vegetarian, Vegan)
- Easy Coconut Lentil Curry
- 15+ Delicious & Healthy Lentil Recipes For Instant Pot
SAVE THIS VEGAN LENTIL STEW RECIPE TO PINTEREST
Carol
Is the tin of tomatoes a 14-1/2 oz can? Are the tomatoes diced or petite diced?
instantpoteats
Hey, Carol. Yes, that's the correct can size. Tomatoes can be diced or petite diced, doesn't matter too much in this recipe.
DeAnn
I would like to substitute rice for the potatoes if possible. If so, what adjustments would I need to make to liquid and timing?
instantpoteats
Hey, DeAnn The rice takes less time to cook than lentils so you can, in theory, use it but it might be a little overcooked. Rice needs 4 minutes on HIGH with quick release, whereas the lentils here need 6 minutes on HIGH and we also use some natural release.
I would add an equal amount of veggie stock or water to rice, so if you're adding 1/2 cup of uncooked rice, add about the same in extra liquid. Another option is to cook the rice separately (say before the stew) and then add it to the stew once it's cooked. Mix through or serve on the side.
Bethy
Hi.
DeAnn didn't ask about replacing the rice for lentils, she asked about replacing the potatoes with rice. I'm interested in the answer as well, so could you please?
Thank You!
Instant Pot Eats
Hey Bethy, see our answer below 🙂