Instant Pot Vegan Lentil & Vegetable Stew (One-Pot Comfort Food)

Instant Pot vegan lentil stew is the ultimate weeknight dinner: hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, high-protein vegan meal that comes together quickly, this one-pot dish is a must-try. Made with simple ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and savory herbs, it’s a wholesome comfort food perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone craving something warm and filling.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Stew

• ✅ 100% plant-based and gluten-free
• ⏱️ Ready in under 30 minutes
• 🍲 All-in-one Instant Pot convenience
• 🧊 Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
• 💪 Naturally high in protein and fiber

This vegan lentil stew is hearty enough to satisfy meat-eaters and wholesome enough to fuel a health-conscious lifestyle.

Instant Pot Vegan Lentil & Vegetable Stew (One-Pot Comfort Food)

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A hearty, healthy, one-pot vegan lentil stew made in the Instant Pot. High in protein and flavor—ready in under 30 minutes.

• Author: hass taam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Vegan Comfort

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained

1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

1 medium onion, diced

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups kale or spinach (added after cooking)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Select “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot. Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–5 minutes.

2. Add garlic, thyme, and paprika. Stir well.

3. Cancel “Sauté” mode. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and salt. Stir to combine.

4. Secure the lid. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.

5. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.

6. Stir in kale or spinach. Let sit 2–3 minutes to wilt.

7. Serve warm. Store leftovers in fridge or freeze for later.

Notes

For oil-free version, skip sauté and use splash of broth.

Add curry powder or coconut milk for variation.

Can be doubled—just stay below the max fill line.

Freezes beautifully in individual portions.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 13g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into your Instant Pot vegan lentil stew:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed and drained)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale or spinach (stirred in after cooking)

How to Make Vegan Lentil Stew in the Instant Pot

1. Sauté Your Aromatics

Select the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 3–5 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and paprika. Stir well.

2. Combine Ingredients

Cancel sauté mode. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, broth, and salt. Stir to combine all elements of your vegan lentil stew.

3. Pressure Cook

Secure the lid. Set to High Pressure for 10 minutes. Allow Natural Pressure Release for 10 minutes, then quick release.

4. Finish with Greens

Open lid and stir in kale or spinach. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to wilt.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Use microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to revive.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Curry twist: Add 1 tsp curry powder or garam masala
• Creamier: Stir in ½ cup coconut milk after cooking
• Hearty: Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes

FAQs about Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Stew

Related Recipes

Explore more delicious ideas in our Ultimate Guide to Easy Vegan Instant Pot Recipes.

Need extra protein? Try our Quick Vegan Seitan Instant Pot Recipe.