If you are on the lookout for a cozy, hearty, and soul-satisfying meal, look no further than this Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe. Bursting with rich flavors from smoky bacon, earthy lentils, and a perfect blend of spices, this stew is a real comfort food hero. It’s a delightful combination of textures, with tender lentils swimming in a savory, tomato-infused broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The beauty of this Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights without compromising on depth or nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the stew’s warm flavors and hearty texture, while also adding vibrant colors to the final dish.
- Bacon (6 strips, cut into small pieces): Adds a smoky, rich foundation to the stew that infuses every bite with savory goodness.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled & chopped small): Provide a natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped small): Offers a mild crunch and a fresh, herbal undertone.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers aromatic intensity that complements the smoky bacon perfectly.
- Green lentils (1 pound, uncooked): The stew’s main star, offering hearty texture and plant-based protein.
- Tomato sauce (1 can – 14 fluid ounces): Creates a tangy, rich base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): Builds a savory, comforting liquid that brings richness and depth.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Enhances smoky flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Ground cumin (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a warm, earthy spice that balances the stew beautifully.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that lift the flavors to perfection.
How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cutting your bacon into small pieces—kitchen shears are a great tool for this task. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the bacon pieces. Cook them, stirring occasionally until they turn delightfully crispy and the fat has rendered out. This step creates a flavorful base that will elevate the entire stew.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the bacon sizzles, chop your onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. Once the bacon is ready, add the chopped veggies into the Instant Pot. Let them sauté alongside the bacon fat for about 4 to 5 minutes. This softening process brings out their natural sweetness and creates a tasty aromatic base for the stew.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly and can burn if left too long, so keep a close eye while you bring out its fragrant notes to complement the other ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Lentils and Liquids
Now it’s time to add your green lentils, tomato sauce, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and cumin to the pot. Stir everything well to mix the flavors and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. This combination forms the heart and soul of your stew, balancing smoky, sweet, and earthy flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Pressure Cook Your Stew
Seal your Instant Pot by closing the lid and making sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure. It will take around 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up, so relax knowing that your stew is getting tender and flavorful without constant supervision.
Step 6: Release Pressure
Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. This gentle release lets the lentils settle and continue cooking softly. Afterward, switch the valve to “venting” to perform a quick release, making sure all pressure escapes before opening the lid.
Step 7: Season and Adjust
Give your stew a good stir and taste it. Add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. If you prefer a soupier consistency or find the stew too thick, stir in extra chicken broth and warm it through on the sauté setting. This step lets you personalize the texture exactly how you like it.
How to Serve Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can turn this stew into something truly special. Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chopped green onions adds vibrant color and fresh herbal brightness. A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt also adds a creamy tang that complements the smoky depth beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe with crusty bread or warm naan for dipping – nothing beats soaking up those rich, savory juices. A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew, balancing out the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, serve this stew over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for extra comfort and heartiness. You can also ladle it into a hollowed-out roasted bell pepper or a bread bowl to impress guests with a fun, rustic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious – if not more so – than the fresh batch.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully and is perfect for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date so you can enjoy it whenever you need a convenient, hearty meal.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen stew overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If the stew thickens too much upon reheating, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency to your liking.
FAQs
Can I make this Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep the stew vegetarian-friendly. You might want to add a splash of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to mimic that delicious smoky flavor.
What type of lentils work best for this stew?
Green lentils are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a satisfying texture. Brown lentils can also work but may become softer. Avoid red lentils as they tend to break down quickly, making the stew mushy.
How thick should the stew be?
The texture is really up to your personal preference. This Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe is naturally thick and hearty, but you can always add more broth or water to make it thinner and more soup-like.
Can I prepare this stew without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can make this stew on the stovetop by sautéing the bacon and vegetables, then simmering the lentils with the other ingredients for about 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender. It will take longer, but the flavors remain just as comforting.
Is this stew spicy?
This recipe is mild and packed with smoky, earthy flavors rather than heat. If you prefer a bit of a kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning at the end.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. It’s comforting, nourishing, and packed with flavors that warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this stew offers a perfect balance of simplicity and satisfying taste. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite cozy meal!
Print
Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Instant Pot Lentil Stew featuring smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal that comes together quickly using pressure cooking.
Ingredients
Meat
- 6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped small)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped small)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Pantry
- 1 pound uncooked green lentils
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife. Add the bacon to your Instant Pot and press the sauté button. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is just about crispy and the fat has rendered out.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the bacon cooks, chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Once the bacon is ready, add these vegetables to the Instant Pot and continue sautéing for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add Lentils and Seasonings: Pour in the green lentils, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and ground cumin. Stir well to combine and ensure no ingredients are sticking to the bottom.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to the sealing position, and set the timer to 15 minutes on high pressure. It will take approximately 10-15 minutes to reach pressure before cooking begins.
- Release Pressure: When cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to let out remaining pressure.
- Season and Adjust Consistency: Open the lid and taste the stew. Season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a soupier texture or feel the stew is too thick, add more chicken broth. Press the sauté button to warm through before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Green lentils hold their shape well during pressure cooking; red lentils can be used for a creamier texture but cook more quickly.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika and cumin according to your spice preference.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Use kitchen shears to easily cut bacon directly into the Instant Pot for minimal mess.
