Description
Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils is a flavorful, creamy, and spicy dish made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This protein-rich meal combines brown lentils with aromatic spices, red curry paste, tomato sauce, and coconut milk to create a comforting and healthy dinner that’s perfect served over rice and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups brown lentils
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch knob ginger, minced
- A few good shakes of cayenne pepper
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt (more to taste)
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee (optional)
For Serving
- Cilantro for garnishing
- Rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients and add to Instant Pot: Place the brown lentils, diced onion, red curry paste, sugar (if using), garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, minced garlic, minced ginger, cayenne pepper, water, tomato sauce, and coarse salt into the Instant Pot. Ensure all ingredients are evenly combined for consistent flavor.
- Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. This will thoroughly cook the lentils and blend the spices into a rich, flavorful curry.
- Natural pressure release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes after cooking, which helps the lentils finish cooking gently. Then carefully release any remaining pressure manually if necessary.
- Finish with coconut milk and butter: Open the lid and stir in the coconut milk and butter or ghee until fully incorporated. This adds creaminess and richness to the curry. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the red curry lentils over cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy the delicious, warming flavors of this easy Instant Pot meal.
Notes
- This dish makes a wonderful quick and healthy dinner option that is both filling and flavorful.
- The butter or ghee is optional but adds a lovely richness that complements the coconut milk.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for spiciness according to your preference.
- Natural pressure release helps keep lentils tender without becoming mushy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 268
- Sugar: 4.3 g
- Sodium: 339.2 mg
- Fat: 6.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37.3 g
- Fiber: 16.5 g
- Protein: 14.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
