Speedy Spiced Instant Pot Lentil Curry Ready in a Flash
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a Lentil Curry that's quicker than ordering a takeaway? Honestly, this Instant Pot Lentil Curry recipe is a game changer. It is bursting with warming spices. It is proper lush, you know?
Brief Overview
Lentil Curry is a staple in many Indian homes, a real hug in a bowl. This version uses the Instant Pot for speed, it will take 40 minutes.
It will serve 6 hungry souls.
Main Benefits
Brown Lentils are packed with fibre and protein. This recipe is perfect for a midweek meal, and super healthy. What makes this Easy Lentil Recipe so special? It is all about the flavour and convenience, innit?
Ready to ditch the ready meals? Let's get started then!
What Makes This the Best Instant Pot Lentil Curry?
You know, I used to think making a decent curry was a right faff. Hours of simmering and slaving over a hot stove.
Then I discovered the Instant Pot ! Oh my gosh, it's a revelation.
This Vegan Instant Pot curry is not only quick, but the pressure cooking really melds all the flavours together beautifully.
It is like they have been simmering for hours. Plus, it is packed with goodness. Perfect for those "meat free Monday" vibes.
From Hob to Hot in Minutes: Easy Peasy!
The beauty of this Pressure Cooker Lentil Curry is how simple it is. Forget complicated recipes and a million ingredients.
We are talking chuck it all in, press a button, and Bob's your uncle!
This is proper comfort food, done the healthy way. This Weeknight Dinner Curry means more time chilling on the sofa, watching telly, less time in the kitchen.
I think "Eastenders" with a bowl of this Healthy Instant Pot Recipe is the perfect night.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this Instant Pot Lentil Curry . Don't worry, it's not like some fancy bake off challenge.
We're keeping it simple and delicious. This is proper weeknight dinner curry fare.
Main Ingredients
This is where we get serious. We're talking precise measurements here, love. It's like "measure twice, cut once," but for lentils.
- Aromatics:
- One large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups or 150g )
- Two cloves of garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons or 6g )
- A one-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 tablespoon or 15g )
- One to two green chilies, finely chopped (optional, about 5g )
- Spices:
- 2 tablespoons of curry powder ( 20g ). Get a decent one, yeah? Makes all the difference.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin ( 5g )
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander ( 5g )
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder ( 2.5g )
- ½ teaspoon of garam masala ( 2.5g )
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, 1g ), for that extra kick.
- Lentils & Liquid:
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil ( 15ml )
- 1 ½ cups of brown or green lentils, rinsed ( 300g ). I'm partial to brown lentils for this.
- 4 cups of vegetable broth ( 950ml ).
- One can of diced tomatoes, undrained ( 400g )
- One can of coconut milk ( 400ml ). Go for full fat if you wanna be proper indulgent.
- Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice ( 15ml )
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish.
Seasoning Notes
Honestly, the spices are where the magic happens. The curry powder is the base, but the cumin and coriander add that earthy depth.
Don't be afraid to experiment with the cayenne for a bit of heat . For a subtler flavor, substitute fresh coriander leaves instead of coriander powder.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah? We're not running a Michelin star kitchen here.
- Instant Pot (6-quart or larger). Obviously!
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board and knife. Common sense, really.
- Wooden spoon or spatula.
That's it, proper easy lentil recipes don't require more!. Ready to become an instant pot Indian recipes master? With the right ingredients and a bit of faith, you'll be whipping up this healthy instant pot recipes in no time.
Let's get started on this journey to create the ultimate Pressure Cooker Lentil Curry !
Cooking Method: Instant Pot Lentil Curry
Fancy a night off from cooking? I've got you covered. This Instant Pot Lentil Curry is proper lush. It's dead easy, and tastes like you spent hours slaving over the stove.
Honestly, it's a game changer for weeknight dinners. Perfect for those "I can't be bothered" evenings. Let's get started, shall we?
Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Curry Glory
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. Chop your onion, mince your garlic and ginger, and rinse your lentils.
This will save you loads of time later. I always prep everything before I even turn on the Instant Pot.
It's like having your ingredients lined up for a bake off. Remember, brown lentils or green lentils are your best bet.
Red lentils will turn to mush!
Safety tip: Always be careful when chopping chillies! Avoid touching your eyes afterwards.
From Zero to Curry Hero: The step-by-step
- Turn your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" setting. Add your oil. Once hot, chuck in your chopped onion and cook until it's softened.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and chillies (if you're feeling brave) and cook until fragrant. This smells amazing!
- Now, add your curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 1 minute , stirring constantly. This is how you "bloom" the spices. It releases all the flavour.
- Stir in your rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Make sure you scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Nobody likes burnt bits!
- Lock the lid, making sure the valve is set to "Sealing". Cook on "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 20 minutes .
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes , then manually release any remaining pressure. Be careful of the steam!
- Stir in the coconut milk and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with rice or naan. Garnish with cilantro. Sorted!
Pro Tips: Curry Like a Boss
A little trick for you: Toasting your spices before adding the lentils really elevates the flavor. The Easy Lentil Recipes taste much more complex than they actually are. Trust me on this.
Avoid using too much liquid. You want a thick, creamy curry, not lentil soup. Also, don't overcook the lentils. Nobody wants a mushy mess. Weeknight Dinner Curry is a winner!
Got leftovers? This curry tastes even better the next day. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Perfect for batch cooking. It makes a healthy Instant Pot Recipes option.
Recipe Notes for Your Brilliant Instant Pot Lentil Curry
Right, let's talk about this Instant Pot Lentil Curry . This is where the magic really happens, innit? It’s not just about following the steps, but making it your own .
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Honestly, presentation matters! Think about plating up your Lentil Curry like you're on "MasterChef." A swirl of coconut cream? Chopped cilantro for freshness? Yes, please! Serve with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or even quinoa for a twist.
Oh, and a dollop of natural yogurt cools down those spices nicely. It makes it pop, you know? This Weeknight Dinner Curry never looked so good!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Vegan Instant Pot wonder keeps well. Just bung it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating is a doddle microwave it or gently simmer on the stove until heated through.
Sorted!
Variations: Put Your Own Spin On It
Fancy a change? Easy peasy. To make it gluten-free, just ensure your broth and curry powder don't contain gluten. Sorted! Add some spinach, kale, or even chopped bell peppers for extra veggies.
If you're not feeling the coconut milk, a dollop of Greek yogurt stirred in at the end does the trick.
Remember the best part is Easy Lentil Recipes are super versatile.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
This Pressure Cooker Lentil Curry is packed with protein and fibre. We're talking good stuff! It's a Healthy Instant Pot Recipes winner.
Lentils are brilliant for keeping you full and energized, and the spices have anti inflammatory properties. It's basically a hug in a bowl that's also good for you.
So there you have it! This Instant Pot Lentil Curry is your new best friend. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have a laugh, and most importantly, enjoy the process! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red lentils in this Instant Pot Lentil Curry recipe? I've got a whole bag of them!
While red lentils are brilliant in soups, they aren't the best choice for Instant Pot Lentil Curry. Red lentils tend to break down and become quite mushy when pressure cooked, resulting in a less textured curry.
Stick to brown or green lentils for the best results they hold their shape nicely and give you that satisfying bite.
Help! My Instant Pot Lentil Curry turned out a bit bland. What can I do to spice things up?
Don't you worry, it happens to the best of us! First, give it a good taste and see what it's missing. A little extra garam masala at the end can add a lovely warmth. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice brightens up the flavors, or for extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped green chili.
Remember, taste as you go - think of it like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, keep experimenting until it's just right!
How long does Instant Pot Lentil Curry last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Leftover Instant Pot Lentil Curry will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container perfect for a quick lunch! And the good news is, it freezes beautifully too. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot, stirring occasionally.
I don't have coconut milk. What can I substitute in this Instant Pot Lentil Curry recipe?
No coconut milk? No problem! For a similar creamy texture, you can use heavy cream or Greek yogurt. Just be sure to stir it in after the pressure cooking is complete, as dairy products can sometimes curdle under pressure.
You could also try using a plant based alternative like cashew cream or oat cream for a dairy-free option. Remember to adjust seasoning as necessary after adding your substitute.
I am on a low-sodium diet. How can I reduce the sodium in this Instant Pot Lentil Curry?
Cutting down on sodium is a great shout. Firstly, use low-sodium or no-salt added vegetable broth. Secondly, omit any additional salt until the very end, and taste before adding any at all.
You can also boost the flavor with extra spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, or add a touch more lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, are your friend!
Speedy Spiced Instant Pot Lentil Curry Ready In
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 15g |