Amazing Instant Pot Lentil Tacos Recipe
These Amazing Instant Pot Lentil Tacos offer a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional tacos using tender brown or green lentils cooked to perfection with a blend of spices and a zesty salsa. Prepared quickly in an electric pressure cooker, this recipe is perfect for a nourishing weeknight meal that’s vegan-friendly, packed with protein, and easily customizable with your favorite taco toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (Pressure cooking) plus 10 minutes natural release
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 15 tacos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 3 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
Spices
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup red or green salsa (preferably thick and chunky)
- 12 to 15 soft or crunchy taco shells
- Taco toppings of choice (e.g., shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream, cilantro)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a 6-quart electric pressure cooker, combine the lentils, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This forms the flavorful base of your lentil tacos.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and valve on the pressure cooker. Set to cook on high pressure for 12 minutes to ensure the lentils become tender and infused with spice.
- Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually to safely open the lid.
- Drain and Season: Drain any excess liquid from the cooked lentils if desired. Stir in the salsa evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Optional Mashing: Lightly mash the lentils if you prefer a thicker, more cohesive taco filling texture.
- Let it Thicken: Let the lentil mixture sit, or keep it warm in the pressure cooker until ready to serve, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Spoon the warm lentil mixture into soft or crunchy taco shells. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Stovetop Variation: Simmer lentils, broth, and seasonings in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 40-45 minutes until lentils are tender. Stir in salsa, season, and mash if desired.
- Broth Selection: Choose a broth with a flavor profile you enjoy, as it influences the overall taste of the lentils.
- Salsa Choice: A thick and chunky salsa is preferable to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
- Storage: Cooked lentils store well in the fridge for several days, with flavors enhancing over time. They can also be frozen for later use.
Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/amazing-instant-pot-lentil-tacos-recipe/
