Name: Instant Pot Lentil Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1/2 White Onion (diced, about 1 cup); 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 2 stalks Celery (sliced, about 1 cup); 3 Carrots (sliced, about 1 cup); 5 Gold Potatoes (diced into bite sized pieces); 1 cup Dry Lentils; 1 tsp Onion Powder; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme; 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast; 5 cups Veggie Broth (or use water and veggie broth mix); 2 tbsps Vegan Worcestershire Sauce; 2 tbsps Tamari; 1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes (15 ounce can or 3 tomatoes, diced); 1 cup Baby Spinach (chopped)

Soups are quick and easy to make in an Instant Pot. This vegan lentil stew checks all the boxes for a hearty, healthy, delicious and even budget friendly meal.

This page contains affiliate links.

It is a versatile, stress-free recipe. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients. Use what’s on hand, and you’ll never know something is missing.

I stopped using oil a while back, so you won’t find it in the list of ingredients. You definitely won’t know it’s missing either! With so many flavors in the stew, oil really isn’t necessary.

You can also substitute the vegetables or types of potatoes for what you like. It’s nearly impossible to mess up this stew. Trust me.

Stove Top vs Pressure Cooker

The Instant Pot saves me time over and over again by freeing up my hands and attention for other things. It is my favorite kitchen gadget, and I use it several times per week. I’ve been using this one since 2014!

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Includes App With Over 800 Recipes, Stainless Steel, 6 Quart

7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid

I think everyone should own one and try all my plant-based Instant Pot recipes. However, if you haven’t jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet, you can make this lentil stew on the stove.

You will need a large pot or Dutch oven, and stove top instructions are included below the recipe.

Vegan Instant Pot Stew

With all the colors of the rainbow, this lentil stew is almost too pretty to eat. It makes me feel good knowing that my family will eat a variety of vegetables that they may not like on their own.

It’s awesome to only have one dish to clean too. There’s another reason you should buy an Instant Pot if you haven’t already.

The recipe makes enough lentil stew to feed my family of 4 and have leftovers. My husband and I enjoy eating the soup for lunches throughout the week. It’s easy to store and re-heat.

Instant Pot Lentil Stew Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 White Onion (diced, about 1 cup)
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
2 stalks Celery (sliced, about 1 cup)
3 Carrots (sliced, about 1 cup)
5 Gold Potatoes (diced into bite sized pieces)
1 cup Dry Lentils
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
5 cups Veggie Broth (or use water and Veggie Broth Mix)
2 tbsps Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
2 tbsps Tamari
1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes (15 ounce can or 3 tomatoes, diced)
1 cup Baby Spinach (chopped)

Step 1 – Place Ingredients in Instant Pot

Add all the ingredients to the pressure cooker in the order listed except the tomatoes and spinach. Stir well.

Step 2 – Add Tomatoes

Place the tomatoes on top of the other ingredients. Do not stir. – Tomato is more likely to burn if it sits at the bottom of the Instant Pot.

Step 3 – Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, and turn the valve to sealing. Press Manual (or Pressure Cook) and set to 10 minutes.

Step 4 – Release Pressure

Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then release the remaining pressure.

Step 5 – Add Spinach

Stir well. Then add the spinach and stir again. Place the lid on and allow the spinach to warm. It may wilt slightly.

Wait about 10 minutes, then enjoy.

No Pressure Cooker?

If you do not have an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, lentil stew is easy to make on the stove as well. Grab a large Dutch oven, and throw all the ingredients in it except for the spinach.

Simmer for about 30 minutes, then add the spinach. Simmer for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts, and it’s ready to eat!

Substitutions

This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to make it even if you don’t have all the ingredients.

Other ingredients to try include yams, mushrooms, squash, green beans, etc. Get creative to see what you like best.

Storage

Lentil stew can be stored in an airtight container for about a week. You can also freeze it in a freezer safe container for about 2 months.

More Lentil Recipes

Lentils are a great source of protein and an economical way to make a variety of vegan meals. Here are a few more of my favorite ways to use lentils:

Yield: 6 servings