How Long To Pressure Cook Lentils In Instant Pot

Vintage spoon in a bowl of perfectly cooked Instant Pot lentils

With an Instant Pot andabout 30 minutes, you can make perfectly cooked lentils every time! Let us show you how.

Instant Pot Lentils

Using the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to make perfectly tender lentils! For this recipe, we are referring to green or brown lentils, which are the most common, versatile, and easy to find.

Here's what you need to know:

Ratio = 1 part lentils : 3 parts water
Cook Time = 8-9 minutes
Release = 15 minute natural release, then release any remaining pressure

Lentils go well in stews, soups, sloppy joes, lentil "meatloaf," shepherd's pie, salads, and much more!

Did you find this helpful? If so, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Cooking Times Guide for perfectly cooked grains and beans every time!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Stirring cooked lentils in the Instant Pot

Prep Time 23 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 33 minutes

Servings 4 (~2/3-cup servings)

Course Helpful How-to, Side Dish

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan

Freezer Friendly 1 month

Does it keep? 5 Days

1 cup green or brown lentils
3 cups water (or vegetable broth for more flavor)

Add lentils and water (or vegetable broth) to the Instant Pot and stir to prevent sticking. Pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes (8 minutes for more firm, 10 for more tender // it will take about 8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins).
Once the timer goes off, allow to naturally release for 15 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove lid once steam has fully escaped and strain off any excess cooking liquid.
Enjoy immediately in stews, soups, sloppy joes, lentil "meatloaf," shepherd's pie, salads, and much more! Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop, adding a little water, as needed, to prevent sticking.

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
*Total time includes active cook time, release time, and the time it takes for the Instant Pot to heat up (~8 minutes).

Serving: 1 two-third-cup serving Calories: 169 Carbohydrates: 30.4 g Protein: 11.8 g Fat: 0.5 g Saturated Fat: 0.1 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.25 g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.09 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 3 mg Potassium: 325 mg Fiber: 5.1 g Sugar: 1 g Vitamin A: 18.72 IU Vitamin C: 2.16 mg Calcium: 16.8 mg Iron: 3.12 mg