Lentil Curry Instant Pot Recipe

Instant pot lentil curry is a delicious vegan curry made with Jamaican flavors. It is versatile, easy to make, and super healthy.

What is Instant Pot Lentil Curry?

Instant pot lentil curry is a delicious, vegan, and wholesome curry made from lentils. The dish has a prominent place in Jamaican cuisine and is super easy to make. Traditionally slow-cooked, this curry is jam-packed with Jamaican flavors. However, thanks to the instant pot, you can cook it within 30 minutes. The dish is perfect for lunch or dinner.

What is Jamaican Curry Powder?

Every cuisine has its signature spices and spice mix. Jamaican cuisine is not far behind in this regard. The Jamaican curry powder is a spice mix that uses exotic spices like turmeric, coriander, yellow mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, allspice, cumin, ginger, peppercorns, and scotch bonnet. These spices bring in the signature Caribbean flavor to any dish. This curry powder is super versatile, and you can use it in curries, broths, stews, as dry rub for marinating, etc. you can easily find this in any grocery store.

How Make Jamaican Curry Powder at Home?

Although you can buy premade Jamaican curry powder, I prefer to make my own. It is super simple to make, and you can store it in an air-tight bottle for later use as well. for this, you will need:

2 tbsp Turmeric powder

1 ½ tbsp whole coriander seeds

1 ½ yellow mustard seeds

¾ tsp fenugreek seeds

¾ tbsp allspice

1 ½ tsp cumin seeds

1 ½ tsp ginger powder

¾ tsp Black Peppercorns

⅛ tsp scotch bonnet powder

Roast seeds on a dry pan until they are fragrant. Cool them and add all the ingredients to a spice blender. Blend until you get a fine powder. Store it in an air-tight jar.

Ingredient Breakdown

You can make delicious lentil curry using simple ingredients that are usually available in your kitchen pantry. Furthermore, here ingredients are also economical. So, it’s a win-win situation. Here is everything you need of his delicious recipe:

Onions: White onions do the job, but you can also use red onions.

Carrots: Chopped carrots not just taste delicious in this curry but also give it a color and texture.

Dried lentils: You can easily get dried lentils from any grocery store. I have used green lentils, but you can use black lentils as well.

Jamaican Curry: Jamaican curry powder is an essential ingredient that builds all the flavors of this curry. You can easily find Jamaican curry powder in the spice aisle of the grocery store. Furthermore, you can prepare your own as well. It brings in-depth flavor to the dish.

Scotch Bonnet: Scotch bonnet is a Caribbean pepper that is known for its high spice level. It has a unique spicy and slightly fruity flavor.

Coconut milk: No curry is complete without coconut milk. It not only thickens the curry but also makes it creamy and rich.

Seasonings: You can season the lentil curry with salt and black pepper according to your taste.

How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Curry?

Making lentil curry in an instant pot is super easy and quick. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Turn the instant pot on to the saute setting and add the olive oil. 

2. Once the olive oil is heated add the Jamaican curry powder and the rinsed lentils and stir. Allow the lentil to get toasted for about 3 minutes.
3. Add the onion, red pepper, chili pepper, carrots, thyme and salt (optional).

4: Select cancel, and add coconut milk. Stir to combine the ingredients and seal the lid tightly. Ensure the vent is sealed to prevent any mishaps. 

5: Cook at high pressure for 7 minutes and use the quick pressure release to allow the steam vent.

How to Cook the Perfect Lentils?

Making lentil curry in an instant pot is super easy. However, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

When you are making lentil curry in an instant pot, you don’t need to soak lentils at all. However, make sure you rinse it two to three times to get rid of dust and debris.

If you don't have a scotch bonnet, you can also use Habanero, Serrano, or Thai red chiles.

To reduce the spice level, you can reduce the amount of scotch bonnet.

Most people use water in the lentil curry, but you can use vegetable stock as well. It will add more flavors to the dish.

You can add more vegetables like celery in the curry as well.

How to Store Cooked Lentils?

You can store leftover lentil curry, and lentils in general, by placing it in an air-tight container and storing it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. However, make sure the curry reached room temperature before storing.

You can also freeze lentil curry. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months. When you want to you it, simply reheat it on the stove. No need to wait for it to thaw.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Lentil Curry?

Lentil curry is versatile. You can enjoy it without any side dish or serve it with a variety of options. Here are a few ideas!

Cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice is not just healthy but is delicious as well. You can serve it alongside lentil curry to make it a wholesome meal.

Roasted vegetables: Whether you roast vegetables or stir-fry them. They compliment lentil curry perfectly well.

Brown rice: Brown rice is super healthy. You can serve it alongside lentil curry and enjoy the flavors.

Instant Pot Coconut rice: The slightly sweet flavor of coconut curry goes perfectly well with the spicy lentil curry.

Vegan Toast: Vegan bread toasts also pair well with lentil curry.

Bread bowl: You can convert lentil curry into something interesting and delicious by serving it in a bread bowl.

Quinoa: Quinoa is jam-packed with health benefits, and along with lentil curry, you get textures and pair so well.