Instant Pot Lentil Stew (Veggie-Loaded , Step-By-Step)
Learn how to make a nutritious and flavorful Instant Pot lentil stew with our beginner-friendly, step-by-step recipe for the pressure cooker. This stew is loaded with vegetables and uses dry, green lentils and can be on the table in about 30 minutes. It's gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly.
2smallcarrots7 oz. / 200 g or 1 large, diced into cubes
2celery ribswithout leaves, diced into cubes
5clovesgarlicdiced finely
1teaspoonpaprika powder
1teaspoonground cumin powder
½teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonpepper
1small sweet potatopeeled and diced into larger cubes (220 g)
1medium zucchini6 oz. / 160-180 g, diced into cubes
2cupsbrown lentilsunsoaked
3-4cupsvegetable stockdepending on how thick you like it and amount of veggies
14oz.diced tomatoes400 g, canned
1tablespoontomato paste
To finish:
1teaspoonlemon zest
2tablespoonslemon juice
1tablespoonchopped parsley
Garnish: extra parsley on top
Instructions
Prep. Dice all the vegetables and prepare all the ingredients you need for the recipe. You can start with the onions, celery and carrots as those get cooked first, giving you a few minutes to do the rest of the veggies. If using vegetable stock cubes, prepare the stock first.
Sauté. Turn the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button. It should say Normal on the display (this indicates heat level). Allow the bottom to heat up for a couple of minutes, then add the olive oil, onions, carrots and celery and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Press Cancel or Keep Warm/Cancel to stop the Sauté.
Add ingredients. Then add the garlic, spices, salt and pepper followed by zucchini, sweet potatoes and dry lentils (no need to soak the lentils for this recipe!).
Pour in the stock and stir. Add the tomato paste and diced canned tomatoes and stir slightly.
Set & cook. Secure and lock the lid; make sure the pressure handle is pointing to Sealing on Duo Classic. Select Manual/Pressure Cook and adjust the timer to 8 minutes on HIGH pressure.After a few beeps/seconds, the ON sign will come on indicating the pot is heating up and the pressure is building; pressurizing will take about 12 minutes and then the 8-minute timer will begin.
Once the timer is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then use the quick release method to let off the remaining pressure (press the steam knob down or point to Venting on older models).
Finish the stew. Open the lid and stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Taste for salt and pepper.
Notes
Saute time: 3 minutes | Pressurizing: 12 minutes | Cooking at pressure: 8 minutes | Release: 10 minutes natural followed by quick release | Total cooking time: 23 minutes.
Storage: You can store this lentil stew for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze it for up 3 months. Make sure to cool down before storing. Defrost in a fridge overnight or in a microwave and reheat well.
Serving suggestions: Serve as is with a side of crusty bread, dinner rolls or buttered toast; top with croutons; you can stir in some cheese, sour cream, or yogurt on top. The stew can also be served over rice, pasta, couscous, quinoa, or cauliflower rice/vegetables.