Image Source from sslevcove

Easy Instant Pot Red Lentil Curry: A Comforting Delight

In recent years, the Instant Pot has revolutionised home cooking, making it easier than ever to whip up delicious meals in a fraction of the time. One dish that shines in this kitchen marvel is the easy red lentil curry—a wholesome, hearty, and satisfying meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe that is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Why Red Lentils?

Red lentils are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. They are high in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, making them an excellent alternative to meat. Additionally, red lentils cook faster than other varieties and break down beautifully, creating a rich and creamy texture, perfect for a curry.

Ingredients

For this easy Instant Pot red lentil curry, you’ll need:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 can (400g) coconut milk
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons curry paste (red or yellow, depending on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Once hot, add a splash of oil and sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Spices:
   Stir in the curry paste, ground cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast slightly and deepen in flavour.

3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
   Pour in the rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, chopped tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the lentils are well-coated in the spicy mixture.

4. Pressure Cook:
   Seal the Instant Pot lid, making sure the pressure valve is set to "Sealing". Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.

5. Release the Pressure:
   Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining steam.

6. Final Touches:
   Open the Instant Pot lid and give the curry a good stir. The lentils should be tender and the curry rich and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Serve:
   Ladle the curry into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve with steamed rice, naan bread, or poppadoms, along with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

Conclusion

This easy Instant Pot red lentil curry is not just a dish; it’s an experience. A vibrant and flavoursome meal that’s sure to impress, it encapsulates the essence of comfort food while remaining healthy and nutritious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this curry is sure to become a staple in your household. Enjoy the delightful spices and the simplicity of cooking with an Instant Pot, and watch as your family or guests savour every bite!

No items listed in the response.