Craving a soul-warming, flavor-packed meal that's both incredibly delicious and completely plant-based? Look no further than this revolutionary Instant Pot Lentil Gumbo that will make your taste buds dance with Cajun-inspired excitement! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality vegan dish that's so rich and satisfying, even meat-lovers won't believe it's completely plant-based. Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight cooking with this easy, nutritious, and mind-blowingly tasty recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and drain completely.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a small amount of vegetable broth to prevent sticking. Sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers until they become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, and Cajun seasoning. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the manual/pressure cook setting. Cook on high pressure for 15-18 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 5-7 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, stir the gumbo, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Choose the right lentils: Use green or brown lentils that hold their shape during cooking for the best texture.
- Don't skip the sautéing step: This helps develop deeper flavor by caramelizing the vegetables and releasing their natural sweetness.
- Customize your Cajun seasoning: If you're sensitive to heat, start with less seasoning and add more to taste.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of vegan worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Allow natural pressure release partially to help the gumbo thicken and let flavors meld together.
- If the gumbo seems too thick after cooking, add a little more vegetable broth. If too thin, use the sauté function to reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions to add a bright, fresh contrast to the hearty gumbo.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
