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Vegan Instant Pot Lentils (Smoky and Savory!)

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How to make lentils in the instant pot for a smoky savory recipe! These smoky lentils are vegan, so full of flavor, so delicious and high in protein. They are perfect over pasta, potatoes and served alongside veggies!

smoky vegan instant pot lentils in white bowl on wood platter

SMOKY VEGAN INSTANT POT LENTILS

I’m back with another vegan instant pot recipe, due to high demand. You have all loved the Vegan Instant Pot Curry, the Vegan Instant Pot Italian Pasta and the Cajun Pasta, so I know you will love these smoky lentils as well.

I cannot stop eating these smoky vegan instant pot lentils! I’m so serious when I say how incredibly delicious these are. I’m from Texas, I love smoky flavors and barbecue. Most of you know that by now, haha. So if you want to know how to cook lentils in the instant pot that are rich in flavor, smoky, slightly sweet and will make your whole house smell like a restaurant, then you will love these!

I love lentils because they are so neutral in flavor and will take on any type of flavor, seasonings or marinades you want to add to them. I also love how hearty, filling, high protein and low-fat they are. They are an incredible plant-based protein you want to have in your recipe planning.

The best part about cooking lentils in the instant pot is how quick they are ready to eat! They take much longer on the stove.

For this recipe, I used green lentils, which is what you will want to use here. Do not use red lentils, they will not have the same texture and would be mush and not have the wonderful hearty bite.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

  • Green lentils: Lentils are a wonderful source of healthy plant-based protein and have a wonderful hearty texture. Do not sub with red here, they would end up mushy.
  • Low-sodium vegetable broth: Use a well-flavored one here, not a watery bland one. I love the Imagine brand, Pacific brand and
  • Red onion
  • Garlic: Or garlic powder
  • Coriander
  • Smoked paprika
  • Liquid smoke
  • Tomato paste
  • Maple syrup: Adding just a touch of syrup seriously brings up the flavor in a wonderful well-balanced way. It compliments the savory notes well, so don’t omit. It’s a small amount that makes a big impact.
  • Black pepper and salt

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN INSTANT POT LENTILS

Step 1: Add 1/2 cup water to the instant pot and press the sauté mode for 5 minutes. Add the onion and cook 5 minutes, add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring often.

red onion cooking in instant pot

Step 2: Add the tomato paste, a splash of water if needed and all of the spices. Stir constantly for a minute or so to toast the spices and tomato paste.

red onion and spices cooked in instant pot

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Seal the instant pot and press the “” button and select 8 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the instant pot to come to pressure before the 8 minutes begins, so please keep an eye on it so they are left in there for the correct amount of time.

Step 4: After the instant beeps that the 8 minutes are done cooking (or you are watching it), leave to sit for 10 minutes for firm lentils or 15 minutes if you like them really soft. I like 10 minutes. Release the remaining pressure and open the lid carefully. Stir the lentils around and serve immediately!

cooked smoky lentils in the instant pot with red spoon

WAYS TO SERVE THESE SMOKY LENTILS

  • TOAST: I love to eat these on toast for a delicious healthy savory breakfast loaded with plant-based protein.
  • SWEET POTATO: They are great over a baked sweet potato.
  • GRAINS AND VEGGIES: Alongside rice or veggies or any other grain you love.
  • TACOS: They would be a great hearty filling for tacos, burritos or quesadillas, even!

MORE VEGAN LENTIL RECIPES

  • Vegan Red Lentil Curry Soup
  • BBQ Lentil Loaf
  • Creamy Vegan Lentil Soup with Turmeric and Lemon
  • 8 Ingredient Easy Vegan Lentil Soup
  • Sweet Potato Lentil Soup
  • Red Lentil Spinach Soup
  • Pumpkin Red Lentil Chili
smoky vegan instant pot lentils in white bowl on wood platter

Vegan Instant Pot Lentils (Smoky and Savory!)

Brandi Doming
How to make lentils in the instant pot for a smoky savory recipe! These smoky lentils are vegan, so full of flavor, so delicious and high in protein. They are perfect over pasta, potatoes and served alongside veggies!
5 from 22 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Gluten-free, Vegan
Servings 4 -5 servings
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 packed cup (80g) finely diced red onion
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced (OR 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) tomato paste (not sauce)
  • 2 3/4 cups (660g) low sodium veggie broth (a well flavored one here, I like the Pacific or Imagine brands)
  • 1 1/2 cups (280g) uncooked green lentils (do not use red here!), rinsed well
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) liquid smoke
  • 1 tablespoon (20g) maple syrup or agave
  • I use this scale.
  • Instant pot I use.

Instructions
 

  • Have all ingredients ready and measured, as this goes quickly.
  • Add 1/2 cup water to the instant pot and press the sauté button set for 8 minutes. Once hot, add the onion and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook another minute, adding water if needed to prevent burning.
  • Add the tomato paste, a splash of water if needed and all of the spices. Stir constantly for a minute or so to toast the spices and tomato paste.
  • Add the broth, lentils, liquid smoke and maple syrup and stir really well to make sure the tomato paste mixture is thoroughly blended.  
  • Seal the instant pot and cook on high pressure by selecting either the "Pressure Cook or Manual" button and set the time for 8 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the instant pot to come to pressure before the 8 minutes begins, so please keep an eye on it so they are left in there for the correct amount of time.
  • After the instant beeps that the 8 minutes are done cooking (or you are watching it), leave to sit for 10 minutes for firm lentils or 15 minutes if you like them really soft. I like 10 minutes. Release the remaining pressure and open the lid carefully. Stir the lentils around and serve immediately!
  • See the post for ways to serve these!

Notes

STOVE TOP DIRECTIONS: You can make these over the stove top with a couple of slight changes. Instead of 2 3/4 cup broth, you will be using 3 cups, as cooking over the stove has much less intensity of the pressure of the instant pot, so a bit more broth was needed here to fully cook the lentils.
Additionally, you will not be adding the tomato paste with the spices at the same time, as listed above in the instant pot directions. This is because acidic ingredients (like tomato sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, etc.) can prevent lentils from becoming tender on the stove. So, it's best to add them towards the end I have found, it produces better results. 
  • Step 1: To a large pot, add 1/2 cup water over medium heat and once hot, add the onion and sauté for 5-8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add the garlic and cook another minute. 
  • Step 2: Add the spices, including the pepper and salt. NOT the tomato paste. Stir for about 1 minute to toast the spices. 
  • Step 3: Add the broth (3 cups), lentils, liquid smoke and syrup. Stir very well. Raise the heat to high. Once boiling, cover with a lid with it only slightly tilted to let a small bit of steam to escape. Lower the heat to low and simmer 20-30 minutes until they are tender to your liking. This can really vary depending on your stove, age of lentils, etc.  
  • Step 4: Once the lentils are at your desired texture, stir in the tomato paste and heat through a couple of minutes more. Taste and add any more salt, if needed, but it should taste perfect. 

Nutrition

Serving: 5servingsCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 43.8gProtein: 15.5gFat: 0.8gSaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 512mgPotassium: 721mgFiber: 18.3gSugar: 6.3gCalcium: 49mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Tag @thevegan8 on Instagram and use tag #thevegan8!
Keyword instant pot lentils, instant pot smoky lentils, smoky instant pot lentils, vegan instant pot lentils

The Vegan 8 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure policy here.

Filed Under: Beans/Legumes, Gluten Free, Main Dishes

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Comments

  1. Lyla

    March 17, 2021 at 9:35 pm

    This sounds great-I haven’t made lentils in the Instant Pot before. If I didn’t want to use the liquid smoke would you recommend simply leaving it out or would you replace it with something like vegan Worcestershire sauce? Thanks so much! 😊

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 17, 2021 at 10:46 pm

      I would leave it out and increase the smoked paprika to 1 tablespoon. The liquid smoke does add a significant authentic tasting smoke flavor that you can’t get from smoked paprika, so it will change the flavor for sure, but should still be delicious. I wouldn’t replace it with anything else! Let me know after you try them!

      Reply
  2. Lana

    March 17, 2021 at 9:56 pm

    This sounds wonderful – I’m going to try it! What brand of liquid smoke do you recommend? I have never used it.

    Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 17, 2021 at 10:45 pm

      Hi Lana! I used the Lazy Kettle brand, but the one I linked on the recipe card would work too. I’ve used that one before also and is found online or most grocery stores. Let me know after you try them!

      Reply
  3. Deb Z

    March 17, 2021 at 11:10 pm

    5 stars
    I have not made this recipe but can see by the ingredients it will be terrific. And many thanks for Instant Pot recipes. PLEASE keep them coming! I bought one to make seitan in and fell in love with this appliance. Only way to cook so many recipes. THANK YOU! Will let you know how it comes out when I make this. Love the idea of eating it on toast.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 18, 2021 at 5:42 am

      Sounds wonderful Deb! Thank you so much and will definitely keep them coming!

      Reply
  4. Janet

    March 18, 2021 at 12:50 am

    5 stars
    Will this fit on a 6qt IP?

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 18, 2021 at 5:42 am

      Yes, that should work fine, it’s not a really large amount!

      Reply
  5. Steve Jones

    March 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    This looks delicious! Unfortunately, I don’t have an instant pot – it’s probably the only kitchen appliance I have yet to acquire – so do you have a version for making this recipe in a Crock Pot or on the stove? Thank you!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 19, 2021 at 8:25 pm

      Hi Steve! It’s listed on the recipe card under NOTES. Refresh your browser to see it. It was posted yesterday. 😊

      Reply
  6. Rita

    March 18, 2021 at 7:17 pm

    5 stars
    This is delicious. Have only used my Insta Pot twice, but followed your instructions to the letter and had no problems. Will keep on hand for quick lunches and will be in our taco Tuesday rotation for sure.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 18, 2021 at 9:33 pm

      So happy you loved this recipe, thanks so much Rita for making them!

      Reply
  7. Nina

    March 19, 2021 at 12:54 am

    5 stars
    I love lentils and the Instant Pot is my favorite way to prepare meals, so this was a no brainer to try right away! I made the lentils in one IP while wild rice was cooking in the other. I paired with steamed broccoli. Perfect meal! Great flavor — I am going to try it on toast as you suggested for lunch tomorrow, yum!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 19, 2021 at 3:14 am

      Yay, fabulous pairings Nina! Thank you so much for making it and leaving a review!

      Reply
  8. Jessica

    March 19, 2021 at 1:07 am

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner tonight and served it on sourdough bread with a big side of roasted veggies. These lentils filled out house with an amazing smell. I rate these a 5 because I will be putting these in my regular dinner rotation!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 19, 2021 at 3:13 am

      So thrilled these were such a hit, Jessica! Sourdough bread sounds like such an amazing idea!!

      Reply
  9. Kathleen Brozee

    March 19, 2021 at 1:43 am

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe. Easy to make and very yummy. I served it on a baked sweet potato as suggested.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 19, 2021 at 3:14 am

      So glad you loved this recipe, thank you for making them Kathleen! I ate the same exact thing for lunch today, haha!

      Reply
  10. Chris

    March 19, 2021 at 4:14 am

    5 stars
    I love lentils. I made this in my instant pot and it was SO DELICIOUS! Thanks for the great recipe. Will definitely add this to my regular rotation.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 19, 2021 at 8:26 pm

      That’s so amazing to hear Chris, thank you!

      Reply
  11. Marilyn

    March 19, 2021 at 11:03 pm

    5 stars
    These are absolutely delicious and so easy!

    Reply
  12. Alocasia

    March 20, 2021 at 6:19 pm

    I have brown lentils. Do you suggest I pick up some green lentils instead of using the brown?

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 20, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      Brown should be fine!

      Reply
  13. Laurel Hinrichsen

    March 20, 2021 at 9:56 pm

    5 stars
    I made this recipe a few days ago and really enjoyed it. Thank you!

    Reply
  14. Laura Lang Coogle

    March 21, 2021 at 5:25 pm

    5 stars
    OMG Brandi! When I saw this posted I was so excited to try it! I just opened the IP and gave it a taste. So delicious!! Can’t wait to eat these this week. Thank you for all of your fabulous recipes. If anyone asks me for a good source for vegan recipes I always tell them about you!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 23, 2021 at 6:31 pm

      That’s so wonderful to hear!!

      Reply
  15. Sue

    March 24, 2021 at 2:47 am

    5 stars
    These were a big hit! Thanks Brandi.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 24, 2021 at 2:51 am

      Yay, love hearing it, Sue! Thank you, as always, for your feedback!

      Reply
  16. Samantha

    March 24, 2021 at 7:27 pm

    5 stars
    Just made this! Easy! Added fine diced carrots and celery with the onion. We scooped it up with chips for lunch! THANK YOU!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 24, 2021 at 7:32 pm

      Oooh that sounds yummy!!

      Reply
  17. Valerie

    March 25, 2021 at 8:14 pm

    5 stars
    YUM! This was delicious! I enjoyed the lentils over a sweet potato. So easy. Will make often!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 26, 2021 at 7:22 am

      Yay, so glad to hear it Valerie!

      Reply
  18. John

    March 26, 2021 at 2:09 am

    5 stars
    So easy and so delicious! Made this tonight for dinner and can’t wait to have the leftovers tomorrow for lunch!! Piled them on a sweet potato atop a bed of spinach. Used some of the lemon juice to message the fresh spinach with. Oh man!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 26, 2021 at 7:23 am

      Hi John! I’m so thrilled to hear how much you loved this recipe, thanks so much for the review and for making them! And funny, I ate EXACTLY the same for lunch, haha. I do a sweet potato, tons of cooked spinach and these lentils, my fave way to eat them!

      Reply
  19. Emma V

    March 28, 2021 at 3:45 am

    5 stars
    Made the stove top version of this recipe- it’s so good! I put a little more sweetener (date paste) to make it sweeter which is just my personal preference. I ate this “Buddha bowl” style with some quinoa and shredded cabbage and kale with a lemon vinaigrette – my new favorite combo! I will definitely be making this again. I could see people enjoying this sloppy joe style on a soft bun – yum!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 28, 2021 at 6:11 am

      So happy you loved these lentils, thank you Emma!

      Reply
  20. Judy

    March 28, 2021 at 8:35 pm

    5 stars
    This is a delicious recipe. I put a cup of the hot beans over 2 cups of fresh spinach and wilted them and it was wonderful!

    Reply
  21. Rachel

    March 29, 2021 at 6:28 pm

    5 stars
    I made this recipe using the stove top recipe. I’m new to lentils, so I cooked them until most of the liquid was absorbed (which was longer than the recipe said). Delicious. I baked a sweet potato which I chopped up and mixed with the lentils for a wonderful sweet/ smoky combination.
    After several bites, I remembered I had avocado so I chopped some of that as well, because who doesn’t love avocado? Added a nice creamy texture to the dish.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 30, 2021 at 7:09 am

      Avocado sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing Rachel!

      Reply
  22. Allison Daley

    March 29, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    5 stars
    This is delicious! It reminds me of a healthier version of baked beans.

    Reply
  23. Tomasz

    April 3, 2021 at 5:36 am

    5 stars
    I knew i will love it just based on the ingredients alone. I love lentils in instapot but never tried adding liquid smoke and it was the touch that took it to the next level. I also added a little turmeric and a chopped up kale. Loved it. Thank you for another great recipe.

    Reply
  24. Catherine

    April 4, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    5 stars
    loved this as did my husband who is not a vegan/vegetarian! I would like to subscribe to your email list but the subscribe page does not give a ‘click’ link to do this? Could you add me perhaps or send me a link that works? Thanks very much – I am keen to try out more of your receipes

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      April 4, 2021 at 5:50 pm

      I’ll add you to my list, thank you Catherine!

      Reply
  25. Leslie

    April 4, 2021 at 5:28 pm

    Hi Brandi
    This recipe looks delicious! What is a serving size? I have to.keep track of how much protein I consume. Thanks.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      April 12, 2021 at 6:52 pm

      I’d say about 3/4 cup.

      Reply
  26. Emily

    April 7, 2021 at 3:43 am

    5 stars
    Helloooo Flavor Town! Brandi these are so incredible!
    Ate them with rice and a few spoonfulls of sauerkraut on top..so good!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      April 12, 2021 at 6:50 pm

      I’m so happy you loved these Emily! Thank you!

      Reply
  27. Jody

    April 7, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    5 stars
    I just made this and it’s so good! I was excited to try it partially due to the instant pot directions (the other reason is that I love lentils). I ended up trying the stove top method first because I happened to be using my instant pot for something else at the time. I look forward to trying the instant pot method another time as this will be in the regular rotation for me. Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      April 7, 2021 at 4:06 pm

      I’m so happy you loved it Jody!

      Reply

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I'm Brandi, creator of this vegan blog and cookbook author of The Vegan 8 Cookbook. The majority of my recipes focus on 8 ingredients or less, not counting salt, pepper or water. I'm an expert on oil-free cooking and baking! We went vegan to help control my husband's debilitating gout. Our lives and health improved dramatically. While my husband still has some challenges, his health is much better than when we were eating animal products! I create delicious vegan comfort food in a healthier way. read more →

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