Cozy Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon & Spinach Recipe

The aroma of a bubbling pot of Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Imagine a cozy evening, the rain pattering against your window, and that fragrant stew wafting through the air, inviting you to come closer. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, with vibrant greens mingling with earthy lentils and a zingy citrus twist that dances on your palate.

This dish isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about connection. I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family on a chilly Sunday afternoon. They were skeptical at first—after all, lentils can seem like an odd choice for a hearty family meal—but one spoonful later, their eyebrows raised in surprise, and suddenly I was the hero of the day. The laughter-filled table was filled with raves about how delicious healthy could actually be.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green or Brown Lentils: Opt for these varieties as they hold their shape well while cooking and add great texture.
• Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves; they add nutrition and a lovely color to the stew.
• Onion: A diced onion provides a savory base that enhances the overall flavor of the stew.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to the dish; use whole cloves or minced according to your preference.
• Carrots: Chopped carrots bring sweetness and crunch, balancing out the flavors beautifully.
• Celery: Celery adds another layer of flavor while contributing to the stew’s chunky texture.
• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels while keeping things flavorful.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish with its zesty kick; don’t skip the zest!
• Spices (Cumin, Turmeric, Salt & Pepper): These spices elevate the flavor profile; adjust them based on your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients—chop those onions, dice your carrots, and mince that garlic like you mean it! Once everything is ready, you’ll be zooming through this recipe.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in your chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir occasionally until they’re softened and fragrant—about five minutes will do!

Step 3: Add Lentils & Spices

Stir in your rinsed lentils along with cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together so those lentils can soak up all those wonderful flavors!

Step 4: Pour in Broth & Lemon

Now it’s time for some liquid gold! Pour in vegetable broth along with lemon juice and zest. Give it one last stir before sealing that lid tight—this stew is going on an adventure.

Step 5: Cook Under Pressure

Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. This is where all that magic happens—the lentils get tender while soaking up all those tasty juices.

Step 6: Add Spinach

Once cooking time is up and you’ve released pressure (carefully), stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Taste for seasoning adjustments—maybe more salt or a splash of lemon juice?

Transfer to bowls or plates for serving; garnish with additional lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach—your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in your Instant Pot to build flavor. Then, toss in the lentils and spices before adding the broth. Allow everything to simmer together effortlessly while you prepare your favorite bread or salad on the side.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add diced tomatoes for a tangy twist. Experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano, and don’t hesitate to throw in some leftover veggies you have lying around. Creativity is key!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply use your microwave or return it to the Instant Pot on sauté mode until warmed through. Easy peasy!

I remember the first time I made this Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach for my friends. They devoured it and kept asking for seconds, which felt like a major victory in my kitchen journey!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach?

To make Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach, you will need green or brown lentils, fresh spinach, lemon juice, vegetable broth, garlic, onions, carrots, and spices like cumin and paprika. You can also add optional ingredients such as diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor. Instant Pot stuffed pepper soup delicious vegetable soup option This recipe is versatile; feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. spicy hot and sour soup. For more inspiration, check out this creamy lemon shrimp pasta recipe.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach?

Cooking Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach is quick and easy. The actual cooking time under pressure is about 15 minutes. However, you should account for the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure and naturally release afterward, which adds approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Overall, you can prepare this hearty stew in less than an hour.

Can I freeze Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach?

Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What variations can I try with Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach?

There are many delicious variations you can try with Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or chili powder. You can also incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes for added nutrition. To enhance flavors further, consider using different herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking. For more inspiration, check out this spicy chorizo chili recipe.

Conclusion for Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach:

In summary, Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach is a nutritious, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. With simple ingredients like lentils, spinach, and lemon juice, this recipe delivers great taste without much effort. hearty bison stew It is perfect for meal prepping or a cozy weeknight dinner. Enjoy this healthy stew knowing it’s packed with protein and vitamins while being easy on your schedule!