Instant Pot Curried Lentil & Potato Stew
Enjoy a flavorful Instant Pot Curried Lentil & Potato Stew that’s easy, hearty, and ready in under 30 minutes. This comforting stew combines tender brown lentils, creamy Yukon gold potatoes, and rich curry spices in a single pot, perfect for warm, wholesome meals anytime.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (pressure cooking) + 5 minutes sautéing
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Squeeze of lime
- Dollop of yogurt or coconut cream
- Toasted cashews
- Prepare the base: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and warm the oil. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant to build a savory foundation.
- Add spices and tomato paste: Stir in the curry powder and tomato paste, allowing them to toast briefly with the aromatics to unlock and intensify their flavors.
- Combine lentils, potatoes, and broth: Add the rinsed brown lentils, peeled and diced Yukon gold potatoes, and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Pressure cook the stew: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes. This quick cooking tenderizes the lentils and potatoes while infusing them with the warm, spiced broth.
- Add coconut milk and finish: Perform a quick pressure release once cooking is complete. Stir in the coconut milk for creaminess, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the stew sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Rinse lentils well to remove dust and reduce foam during cooking for a cleaner stew.
- Dice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Do not overfill the Instant Pot; stay within recommended liquid limits to avoid cooking errors.
- Use caution during quick pressure release to prevent splattering.
- Adjust stew thickness by adding more broth or simmering on sauté mode as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Instant Pot, Curried Lentil Stew, Potato Stew, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Quick Meal