Instant Pot Lentil Curry

Instant pot lentil curry is an easy and quick lentil made with curry flavor. This is quick, easy, hearty, and delicious lentils. Instant pot cooking makes this hassle-free.

This is a perfect weeknight dinner. It has strong and delicious flavors. This red lentil curry has a super creamy texture yet has only plant-based ingredients. And it's vegan as well. I make this curried many a times. And mostly I used to make it on the stovetop. But making the red lentil curry in the instant pot makes it easy and convenient. If you love Indian flavors, I'm sure this is going to be another divine treat for you.

Ingredients You Will Need For Lentil Curry

Lentils - This is a red lentil recipe and these lentils are whole lentils that are not husked. So they have skin that makes it brown or brownish-green in color. These are known as brown lentils or green lentils.

Flavors - onion, ginger, and garlic

Spices - Ground spices like coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and black pepper.

Whole spices - Bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves. These whole spices double the flavor of the lentils by releasing their aroma while cooking. Substitute - Garam masala

Tomatoes - I love fresh chopped tomatoes. Can also take crushed canned tomatoes for the lentil curry.

Coconut milk - This is optional. However, the lentils themselves turn creamier once cooked. But coconut milk also helps to balance the strong flavor of the spices.

Lemon Juice and cilantro leaves- Add flavor to the end product.

How To Make Instant Pot Lentil Curry?

Start the instant pot on SAUTE mode for 10 minutes. once it's HOT, add oil to it. Next, add whole spices like bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom, cloves. Saute for 15 - 20 seconds allowing them to release essential oil and add flavor.

Now add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Saute for a minute and then add diced or canned tomatoes. Cook till tomatoes turn soft and mushy.

Then add all the ground spices and salt. Nicely stir them. Saute for 30 seconds and add 1 - 2 tbsp water to deglaze the pot. This will stop the burning of spices. Now add rinsed lentils to the pot followed by water.

Now close the lid. Cancel the SAUTE function and start the PRESSURE COOK mode on the manual for 14 minutes. Once done let it be on NPR for 5 minutes followed by a quick release of the rest.

Open the lid and stir the lentils nicely. If you are adding coconut milk add now and give a nice mix. Then start the SAUTE function for 2 minutes and simmer. But if not adding coconut milk then skip this step.

Add chopped cilantro leaves and drizzle some freshly squeezed lemon juice. Serve it hot with plain steamed rice or cilantro lime rice. It goes well with naan or any bread too.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can make this red lentil curry on the stovetop as well. This can be made using a manual pressure cooker or on a heavy-bottom pan/ Dutch oven. However, the timing will be a little longer if we cook in a pot or Dutch oven since the whole lentils may take up to 30 - 40 minutes of cooking time.

Again, if you are planning to make them in a pot, consider taking the split red lentils instead of the whole ones. This will also work with a lesser cooking time of 20 - 25 minutes. If you are taking split red lentils, then coconut cream is an essential ingredient to make this smooth and creamy texture.

How to store and reheat?

You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight box closed with a lid. This can stay good for up to a week. The overnight stored lentils are even yummier since they are completely infused with aromatic spices.

To reheat, remove it to a microwave dish and heat for 1 minute, stirring at 30 seconds. Or take it out in a saucepan and simmer for 2 minutes on low flame. If required, add some freshly chopped cilantro leaves before serving.

Can I add vegetables to this red lentil curry?

Traditional curry does not contain any vegetables. But you can always add variations when you feel the need. You can add veggies like carrots, and potatoes to the lentils.

Tips for the best Instant Pot lentil curry

The whole spices and the ground spices add tons of flavor to the lentil curry. Skipping that may not make the dish equally great and flavorful.

Consider whole red lentils (husked) for a creamier lentil dish. You can also substitute this with dehusked split red lentils but the texture will be different.

If you like spicy, can add 1 green chili or any spicy pepper (remove seeds) or just skip it if you can't tolerate heat.

Add ginger paste or freshly crushed ginger along with onion and garlic in this lentil curry.

Recipe card for Instant Pot Lentil Curry

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