Instant Pot Lentil Stew (Veggie-Loaded , Step-By-Step)

Step 1

Prep. Dice all the vegetables and prepare all the ingredients you need for the recipe. You can start with the onions, celery and carrots as those get cooked first, giving you a few minutes to do the rest of the veggies. If using vegetable stock cubes, prepare the stock first.

Step 2

Turn the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button. It should say Normal on the display (this indicates heat level). Allow the bottom to heat up for a couple of minutes, then add the olive oil, onions, carrots and celery and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Press Cancel or Keep Warm/Cancel to stop the Sauté.

Step 3

Then add the garlic, spices, salt and pepper followed by zucchini, sweet potatoes and dry lentils (no need to soak the lentils for this recipe!).

Step 4

Pour in the stock and stir. Add the tomato paste and diced canned tomatoes and stir slightly.

Step 5

Secure and lock the lid; make sure the pressure handle is pointing to Sealing on Duo Classic. Select Manual/Pressure Cook and adjust the timer to 8 minutes on HIGH pressure. After a few beeps/seconds, the ON sign will come on indicating the pot is heating up and the pressure is building; pressurizing will take about 12 minutes and then the 8-minute timer will begin.

Step 6

Once the timer is done, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then use the quick release method to let off the remaining pressure (press the steam knob down or point to Venting on older models).

Step 7

Open the lid and stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Taste for salt and pepper.