Are you craving a restaurant-quality dish that's both nutritious and incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further than these stunning Instant Pot Beluga Lentils! With their jet-black color and rich, earthy flavor, these gourmet lentils are about to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a Middle Eastern-inspired masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds - and wondering how you became such a culinary wizard!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup beluga lentils
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the beluga lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris.
- Select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the onions, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds to release their aromatic oils and prevent burning.
- Pour in the water or vegetable broth, then add the rinsed beluga lentils to the Instant Pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and set the timer for 10 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and fluff the lentils with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the lentils rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Tips
- Always rinse your beluga lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent unwanted texture.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for an extra flavor boost.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release - it helps the lentils absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly tender.
- For added complexity, consider toasting your cumin briefly before adding to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Fresh herbs as a garnish can elevate the dish from good to gourmet - experiment with parsley, cilantro, or even mint.
- If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
- Leftover lentils can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
