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.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Lentil Stew is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
- Bursting with flavor, it combines aromatic spices and fresh lemon for a delightful experience.
- The rich colors and textures make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
- It’s versatile as well; serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own for a filling meal.
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!
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl.
- Packed with nutrition and flavor, you’ll find it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
- Plus, it’s one-pot magic, meaning less cleanup for 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!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality vegetable broth for deeper flavor; it makes all the difference in this stew.
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris before cooking them.
- Finally, don’t skip the lemon juice at the end; it brightens everything up beautifully!
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!
Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach
Instant Pot Lentil Stew with Lemon and Spinach is a heartwarming, nutritious dish perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. This one-pot wonder combines protein-rich lentils with vibrant spinach and a zesty lemon twist, creating a flavorful experience that will impress your family and friends. With its rich aroma and colorful presentation, enjoy this healthy stew that’s not only delicious but also easy to make.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by chopping onion, carrots, celery, and mincing garlic.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in rinsed lentils along with cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable broth with lemon juice and zest; stir well.
- Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- After cooking, carefully release pressure and stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, use high-quality vegetable broth. - Substitute spinach with kale or add diced tomatoes for variation. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.




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