Instant Pot Lentils with root vegetables and herbs

Name: Instant Pot Lentils with root vegetables and herbs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup canned carrots, drained and chopped; ½ cup radishes, sliced or chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness; Nutritional yeast (optional); Parmesan cheese (optional)

6 steps

Prep:10minCook:12min

This vegan/vegetarian (depending on your choice of garnish; parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast flakes) dish is a powerhouse of healthy nutrition. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and catered to those lazy late evenings when you had a long day and just want dinner to be simple, this meal is sure to be filling and flavorful.

Updated at: Sun, 22 Jun 2025 01:06:56 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Great

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

Moderate

Nutrition per serving

Calories204 kcal (10%)

Total Fat0.8 g (1%)

Carbs38.1 g (15%)

Sugars4.2 g (5%)

Protein13 g (26%)

Sodium707.4 mg (35%)

Fiber7.2 g (26%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

4 servings

1 cupdried lentils

rinsed

2 cupsvegetable broth

1 cupcanned carrots

drained and chopped

½ cupradishes

sliced or chopped

2 tablespoonsfresh basil

chopped, plus extra for garnish

1 teaspoonfresh thyme leaves

or 1/2 teaspoon dried

1 teaspoonpaprika sweet

or smoked

½ teaspoonground cinnamon

1 tablespoonolive oil

Optional, for brightness

Instructions

Step 1

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil (if using), then onions and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Instant PotSaute

Step 2

Stir in the paprika and cinnamon. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices and enhance their flavors.

Step 3

Add lentils, vegetable broth, carrots, radishes, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on high for 9 minutes.

Step 5

Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 6

Stir the lentils, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with either nutritional yeast flakes or fresh parmesan cheese. For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with fresh basil before serving