Green Lentil Basmati Pilaf (Instant Pot)

Recipe Summary
A flavorful green lentil and basmati rice pilaf cooked in the Instant Pot, infused with caramelized onions and ground cumin.

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount Notes
Green lentils 1 cup Rinsed
Basmati rice 1 cup Rinsed
Onion 1 large Thinly sliced
Olive oil 3 tbsp
Cumin 1 tsp Ground
Salt 1.5 tsp
Black pepper 1/2 tsp
Water 3 cups For pre-cooking the lentils
Hot water 1 cup For the final pilaf cooking

Instructions

  1. Pre-Cook the Lentils

    Place the rinsed green lentils and 3 cups of water into the Instant Pot inner pot. Close the lid and cook on “Pressure Cook” (High) for 12 minutes.

  2. Pressure Release

    When the cooking time ends, immediately perform a quick pressure release (Quick Release). Drain the lentils and wipe out the inner pot.

  3. Caramelize the Onions

    Turn on “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and sauté the sliced onions for about 5–7 minutes until deep golden-brown and caramelized. Stir in the cumin and black pepper.

  4. Combine Ingredients

    Add the drained lentils, rinsed basmati rice, salt, and 1 cup of hot water into the pot. Gently mix all ingredients together.

  5. Final Pressure Cook

    Close the lid again. Cook on “Pressure Cook” (High) for 4 minutes.

  6. Natural Release and Fluff

    When the timer beeps, do not release the steam immediately. Allow 10 minutes of natural release (Natural Release). Then release any remaining pressure, open the lid, and fluff the rice gently with a fork.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a garlic and dried mint yogurt sauce.