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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot Curry

    Instant Pot Lentil Curry

    Published: January 22, 2021 · Modified: April 6, 2022 by Uma Raghupathi · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 12 Comments

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    A bowl of lentil curry is placed on the black serving tray
    A bowl with lentil curry and spoon inserted and placed on the black serving tray

    Are you ready for a budget-friendly instant pot curry recipe that you can prepare in less than 40 minutes?

    Instant Pot lentil curry is a vegan and delicious curry that you all must try. If you are looking for a quick fix dinner option without compromising any nutrition, look no further than this lentil curry!

    A bowl is filled with lentil curry and topped with cilantro this recipe
    Jump to:
    • About this recipe
    • Ingredients notes
    • Step by step method
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Expert tips
    • Related recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    About this recipe

    This rich & hearty pressure cooker lentil curry is meant to be a super easy yet flavorful curry as a pair for steamed rice or bread of your choice. I absolutely love making instant pot curries at home.

    They’re quick, easy, flavorful, and always a family crowd-pleaser. This Indian lentil curry is an easy pressure cooker recipe for beginners. 

    Preparing with the Instant Pot also gives you the time and flexibility to complete other supporting entrees if you are entertaining a bigger group.

    As for the choice for lentils, you can use Brown Whole Lentils or Green Whole Lentils. They both work equally well.

    Ingredients notes

    Ingredients are placed on the counter tops for lentil curry

    Brown or green whole lentils - As noted above, either kind works well for this curry.

    Clove spice or Lavangam - This spice gives a burst of aroma to the curry. You only need one or two of this to enhance the flavor of the lentil curry.

    Step by step method

    An instant pot filled with oil, cumin seeds, onions and tomatoes

    Press the ‘saute’ button (medium) and add oil. As the oil heats up, add cumin seeds. Add crushed cloves. And saute for a few seconds. Add chopped garlic, grated ginger, and chopped onions. Saute until the onions turn translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and saute until it turns soft. 

    A pot filled with spices and lentils

    Add salt and all the spices like bay leaf, cayenne, garam masala, and coriander powder. Saute for 2- 3 minutes. Add the washed and rinsed lentils. Add water and stir well. Press cancel to stop sautéing and close the lid.

    Press the ‘pressure cooker’ setting and set the timer for 15 mins on high pressure. 

    An instant pot is with lentil curry

    When the instant pot beeps let the pressure release naturally. It is safe to open the lid only after the pin drops down. Add chopped cilantro and a little lemon juice and mix well. Enjoy the Indian lentil curry with rice or quinoa.

    Recipe FAQs

    Do you need to soak lentils?

    Lentils do not require soaking. Just rinse with cold water 2 to 3 times before cooking.

    How long can I store this curry?

    This lentil curry can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just be sure to heat it up before you serve for the best experience.

    Can we add coconut milk to bring more flavor?

    Yes, you could add coconut milk to enhance flavor, but I like to keep the curry simple and sumptuous:-)

    Expert tips

    • Once the lentil curry cools down, it will turn thicker as the lentil starts to absorb moisture. If you want it to be a little liquidy, add just a little boiled water and mix well.
    • Add coconut milk if you like the rich and tropical flavor.
    • Add washed and clean spinach or kale at the end if you prefer green leaf in your curry. Green leaves cook relatively fast and do not take any additional cook time.
    • Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preference. 
    A bowl with lentil curry and spoon inserted and placed on the black serving tray

    If this recipe interests you, look for similar recipes in my blog such as the

    • Instant Pot Dal Fry
    • Vegan Tofu Bell Pepper Curry
    • Instant Pot Kale Lentil Soup
    • Cabbage Curry
    • Dal Palak - Instant Pot Spinach Dal

    Related recipes

    • Dum Aloo Instant Pot
    • Palak Dal Recipe (Instant Pot)
    • Palak Tofu Recipe (Instant Pot &Stovetop)
    • Instant Pot Sambar

    Just subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious vegan recipes such as this sent directly to your inbox.

    Did you love this recipe? Rate it five stars!
    And let me know what you loved about it in the comments.

    Follow me on social media Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl is filled with lentil curry and served on the black tray

    Instant Pot Lentil Curry

    Uma Raghupathi
    This rich & hearty pressure cooker Lentil Curry is meant to be a super easy yet flavorful curry as a pair for steamed rice or bread of your choice.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time:5 mins
    Cook Time:25 mins
    Total Time:30 mins
    Course :Side Dish
    Cuisine :Indian
    Diet :Vegan
    Allergen :Dairy free, Peanut free, Soy free
    Difficulty :Easy
    Servings 4
    Calories 153 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
    • Vegetable Chopper

    Ingredients
      

    Use the same cup for water or 1 cup= 235ml

    • 1 ½ cup brown or green whole lentils
    • 3 cup of water
    • 1 onion chopped
    • 2 small tomato chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves chopped
    • ½ inch ginger grated
    • 4 clove spice - optional
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ½ teaspoon garam masala
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
    • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Press the ‘saute’ button (medium) and add oil. As the oil heats up, add cumin seeds. Add crushed cloves. And saute for a few seconds.
    • Add chopped garlic, grated ginger, and chopped onions. Saute until the onions turn translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and saute until it turns soft.
    • Add salt and all the spices like bay leaf, cayenne, garam masala, and coriander powder.
    • Saute for 2- 3 minutes. Add the washed and rinsed lentils. Add water and stir well.
    • Press cancel to stop sautéing and close the lid.
    • Press the ‘pressure cooker’ setting and set the timer for 15 mins on high pressure.
    • When the instant pot beeps let the pressure release naturally. It is safe to open the lid only after the pin drops down. Add chopped cilantro and a little lemon juice and mix well. Enjoy the lentil curry with rice or quinoa.

    Notes

    • Once the lentil curry cools down, it will turn thicker as the lentil starts to absorb moisture. If you want it to be a little liquidy, add just a little boiled water and mix well.
    • Add coconut milk if you like the rich and tropical flavor.
    • Add washed and clean spinach or kale at the end if you prefer green leaf in your curry. Green leaves cook relatively fast and do not take any additional cook time.
    • Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preference.
     
    Note: The nutrition values I show here are my best estimates. Please be sure to check your preferred nutrition calculator, if you are relying on accurate calculations in your diet.

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 153kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional information is an estimation only.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @simplesumptuouscooking or tag #simplesumptuouscooking!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amanda Dixon

      January 31, 2021 at 5:43 pm

      This curry was so delicious! I love that it cooks in the Instant Pot -- it really makes it convenient -- and the spice level was spot on. Can't wait to make this again!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Jacqueline Debono

      January 31, 2021 at 1:54 pm

      I've put this lentil curry on my to make list for next week. It sounds easy and looks delicious!5 stars

      Reply
    3. Kate

      January 30, 2021 at 11:47 pm

      This soup was perfect! The spices work so well together!I added coconut milk and served this alongside some rice.5 stars

      Reply
    4. Helen

      January 30, 2021 at 11:07 am

      Wow, I definitely have to try this. Always on the lookout for tasty veggie curries I can make in my Instant Pot.5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        January 31, 2021 at 11:13 am

        Thank you, Helen!

        Reply
    5. Leslie

      January 29, 2021 at 10:13 am

      Everything about this recipe is perfect! It's easy to make, flavorful, and delicious! Family-friendly as well! Can't go wrong with this for dinner!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Marta

      January 26, 2021 at 6:51 pm

      I have been hunting for recipes to make with my instant pot. Lentils are a winner.5 stars

      Reply
    7. Heather Perine

      January 26, 2021 at 9:27 am

      Ooh I can't wait to try this in my Instant Pot! I'm still new to using mine so thank you for the step by step photos...super helpful and looks delicious!5 stars

      Reply
      • Uma Raghupathi

        January 26, 2021 at 6:42 pm

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    8. Home Cooked Harvest

      January 25, 2021 at 6:51 pm

      This lentil curry is right up my alley. It has all the makings for a great weeknight dinner.5 stars

      Reply
    9. Bernice Hill

      January 25, 2021 at 6:26 pm

      I think that the Instant Pot was basically made for easy, quick curries like this Lentil Curry. It's a favourite in our house!5 stars

      Reply
    10. Holly

      January 25, 2021 at 4:27 pm

      I haven't tried lentils in the Instant Pot yet-- sounds delicious with all of the spices you've added. Can't wait to try your recipe!

      Reply

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