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
Scale
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.
