Instant Pot Lentils

Learn how to cook lentils in the Instant Pot. This Instant Pot lentils recipe is fast, easy and versatile! Use the cooked lentils in salads, soups, pastas, grain bowls and more.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
• 1 3/4 cups water (or vegetable/chicken broth, if using broth omit salt)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Pick over the lentils and remove any small rocks, pebbles or other debris. Place lentils in a fine mesh strainer and rinse well under cold running water.
2. 2Put lentils, 1 ¾ cups water, salt, pepper and bay leaf in the Instant Pot. Stir.
3. 3Close the lid and move the steam release valve to the sealing position. Set the cook time to 8-10 minutes at high pressure. (Choose less time for firmer lentils with a bit of a bite to them and more time for softer lentils. I usually do 10 minutes.) The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to reach pressure and then the cook time will start counting down.
4. 4Once the cook time ends, immediately quick release the pressure by carefully moving the steam release valve to the venting position.
5. 5Once the pin drops down, open the Instant Pot lid. Remove the bay leaf, if using. Stir lentils gently and serve.