Instant Pot French Green Lentils
Enjoy quick and flavorful instant pot French lentils. They’re great on their own or as a side for meats. You can even freeze them to enjoy later.
These Instant Pot French green lentils are packed with earthy flavor and come together in under 40 minutes. French green lentils, also known as puy lentils, are prized for their firm texture—they hold their shape beautifully and don’t turn mushy, making them ideal for side dishes or hearty meal prep bowls. This version is gently seasoned with aromatic vegetables, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves, delivering classic French-inspired flavor with minimal effort.
Serve Instant Pot French green lentils alongside sausages, roasted chicken, fish, or seared steaks, or enjoy a simple bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and crusty bread or focaccia. The lentils also freeze well in individual portions, so you’ll always have a wholesome side dish on hand for busy days.
Recipe Variations
- Add diced smoked sausage or chorizo for a heartier main dish. Sauté along with the aromatics.
- Stir in a handful of baby spinach or chopped chard after cooking.
- Use chicken stock instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
- Serve with a poached or fried egg on top for a satisfying one-pot meal.
- Stir in cooked rice or quinoa to stretch the lentils into a hearty grain-and-legume dish.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
? Storage and Reheating
Let the lentils cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and use within 3 months for best quality.
To reheat, place the lentils in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water. Heat gently over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until hot.
To reheat in the microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe container and cover loosely. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly heated.
Instant Pot French Green Lentils
Ingredients
- 2 cups French lentils, puy lentils
- 1 medium onion, cut into chunks
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 rib celery, cut into chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled, coarsely chopped
- 5 cups vegetable broth, or chicken stock or water
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, or about 1 teaspoon dried
- 3 bay leaves
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils and look them over for any debris or malformed lentils.
- Sauté: Put the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a food processor; pulse until the vegetables are finely chopped. Choose the sauté button on the Instant Pot. When the oil is hot, sauté the chopped vegetables for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the vegetable broth to the pot and scrape any browned bits, if necessary. Add the rinsed lentils, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Pressure Cook: Make sure the steam release knob is in the sealing position. Select the pressure cook function, high pressure, and set the timer for 6 minutes. When the time is up, let the pressure come down naturally for 5 minutes and then carefully release the remaining pressure. Drain off any excess liquids.
- Serve: Spoon lentils into serving bowls or plates and enjoy with crusty bread or rolls.
