20 Instant Pot Lentil Recipes

Featuring boldly flavored spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fennel seed, this Middle Eastern-inspired soup makes for an impressive dinner. Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt to offset the heat from the chili powder.

Try this recipe when you need a salad that will keep you full long after lunchtime. Hearty brown lentils cook up with carrots, celery, and onions before getting served with a tangy red wine-dijon vinaigrette. 

It usually takes hours of simmering on the stovetop to infuse legumes with the salty and savory flavor of ham, but with the Instant Pot on hand you can get that same taste in just an hour. Reviewer Jennifer raves, "The whole family enjoyed the recipe AND I’m the only one who likes lentil soup!"

The beautiful hue of this Lebanese soup comes from the trio of red lentils, golden potatoes, and carrots that are puréed together. The crispy pita bread topping is the ultimate contrast to the creamy soup. 

This dish is as delicious as it is versatile. "This makes a good side dish but is also good served as a main dish in a taco bowl," says recipe creator Soup Loving Nicole. "If you have any leftovers, this is also great reheated and lightly mashed with a spoon transforming it into a 'bean dip' and served with tortilla chips."

Get your daily dose of veggies, plus plenty of plant-based protein, with this simple vegan soup. If you like a less chunky texture, some reviewers suggest giving the dish a quick purée with a stick blender. 

Lemony and herbaceous, even those leery of lentils won't be able to resist a sip of this Lebanese dish. Each bowl is packed with brown lentils, Swiss chard, potatoes, and lots of fresh cilantro. 

"This lovely Moroccan-inspired Instant Pot tagine has a wonderful taste and a little kick," says recipe creator Diana71. "The spices combine to present a warm flavor, and the honey and raisins soften the tangy tomatoes with a bit of sweetness."

Using a whole jar of picante sauce and an entire jalapeño pepper gives this stick-to-your-ribs lentil soup some serious kick. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to cool things down. 

This lentil soup has a Mediterranean flair thanks to the veggie combo of zucchini, red bell peppers, eggplant, and garlic. Finished off with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkling of zest, it's a refreshing spin on the beloved legume. 

Red lentils and buckwheat may be the base for this hearty soup, but it's a little creamy hummus and dash of spicy sambal oelek that make the dish stand out. It's also versatile for using seasonal produce; recipe creator Buckwheat Queen says, "During fall and winter, I use pumpkin or butternut squash. In the summer, I use green zucchini."

In under an hour you can have this filling and impressive recipe on the dinner table. Green lentils pair up with chicken, parsley, and plenty of fresh spinach for a delicious meal. 

Yellow lentils and white rice cook down into an irresistibly creamy texture when using the Instant Pot. Each bite is infused with hints of thyme and rosemary, brightened up with a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. 

Split peas and red lentils pair up to create this stick-to-your-ribs soup. Featuring veggies, a hearty serving of garlic, plenty of cumin, and a dash of lemon juice, it's sure to become a family favorite.

Also called dal makhani, this dish is a New Delhi specialty that combines black lentils and red kidney beans for a delicious meal. Served with plenty of butter and yogurt (in place of the traditional cream) this indulgent recipe is perfect for serving with fresh roti bread to sop up the extra sauce.

You'd never guess that cashews were the secret ingredient in this red lentil soup, but when blended they add a rich texture and hint of nuttiness to the finished dish. 

The classic comfort food chicken noodle soup gets a welcome upgrade with brown lentils for more protein and a dash of dill to create fresh flavor. Want to make this dish even easier? Use a rotisserie chicken for a quick option. 

When you need a satisfying dinner that doesn't take long, reach for this recipe. Ready in only 45 minutes, red lentils are the star and cook down in a rich coconut tomato sauce. Serve over steamed rice or with naan. 

With a whopping 19 grams of protein per serving, you won't have to worry about your nutrients when it comes to this plant-based dish. The key is the duo of red lentils and tofu, both of which are puréed together into an incredibly velvety soup. 

"Create a delicious ham broth first and use it to cook the lentils along with herbs and cooked vegetables," says recipe creator skewtour. "The pressure cooker cuts down cooking time, but preserves the flavor of each ingredient."