Comforting Instant Pot Vegetarian Lentil Stew
This hearty vegetarian lentil stew, made in an Instant Pot, is a warm, flavorful, and nutritious meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with vegetables and simple ingredients, it’s an easy, budget-friendly dish your whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (including time for natural pressure release)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot (Pressure Cooking)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Helpful Substitutions:
- You can replace the carrots with sweet potatoes for added sweetness.
- For a deeper flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by pressing the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and chopped onion, cooking until softened and fragrant—about 3 minutes. This step will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering smells!
Step 2: Add the Vegetables & Seasonings
To the softened onions, add the chopped carrots, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, soy sauce, cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Stew
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure (about 10 minutes).
Step 4: Finish with Tomato Sauce
Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid. Add the tomato sauce and stir everything together. Close the lid again and let it cook on the ‘Keep Warm’ setting for 5 more minutes to thicken the stew.
Notes
How to Store and Reheat
This stew stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!