Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dinner that comes together with almost no fuss but packs a punch of flavor, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils Recipe. I absolutely love how creamy and spicy these lentils turn out, and the best part is, you can get this done in under an hour — perfect for those busy weeknights when you want warmth and comfort on your plate without spending hours in the kitchen. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this fan-freaking-tastic dish your own!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes this Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils Recipe shine. I always save a little extra red curry paste for an added kick when serving, and fresh ginger and garlic make such a difference in flavor compared to pre-minced stuff.

• Brown Lentils: They hold their shape well and cook up nice and creamy in the Instant Pot without turning mushy.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to balance the spices.
• Red Curry Paste: This is the star spice—you want a good quality paste to really lift the curry flavors.
• Sugar (optional): Just a touch to mellow out the heat and acidity.
• Garam Masala: Adds warm, aromatic layers of spice, making the lentils more fragrant.
• Curry Powder: Works with the red curry paste for complexity.
• Turmeric: A subtle earthiness and beautiful golden color.
• Garlic: Fresh is best to wake up all those delicious curry notes.
• Ginger: Fresh minced ginger brings brightness and zing.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a few shakes to tailor the heat to your liking.
• Water: The cooking liquid to soften the lentils perfectly.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tang and body; I like using pure tomato sauce rather than diced for smoothness.
• Coarse Salt: Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Coconut Milk: For that creamy, tropical richness — thick or regular both work well.
• Butter or Ghee (optional): Just a little for silky texture and extra flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh garnish that brightens every bite.
• Rice: Perfect to serve alongside to soak up the sauce.

Variations

This Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils Recipe is such a great base that I love to adapt it depending on what’s in my fridge or what kind of mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Add veggies: I sometimes stir in spinach or kale at the end for added greens and nutrients—it wilts beautifully in the warm curry.
• Swap lentils: Red lentils cook faster and give a smoother texture, while green or black lentils add a firmer bite.
• Make it vegan: Skip the butter or ghee and use coconut oil instead, still rich and flavorful.
• Spice level: If you like it fiery, double the cayenne or add a diced chili pepper; for milder tastes, just go easy on the curry paste.

How to Make Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils Recipe

Step 1: Dump Everything into the Instant Pot

Here’s why I love this recipe so much: you literally place the lentils, diced onion, red curry paste, spices, garlic, ginger, cayenne, water, tomato sauce, and salt straight into the Instant Pot. No sautéing required upfront, which means less mess and less waiting. Give everything a quick stir to combine—make sure the curry paste is evenly mixed in so each bite has that delicious flavor burst.

Step 2: Seal, Cook & Let it Naturally Release

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, patience is key—let the pressure release naturally for another 10 minutes. This slow release helps the lentils finish cooking gently and makes the curry extra creamy.

Step 3: Stir in Coconut Milk & Butter

Once you open the lid, stir in the coconut milk and butter (or ghee if using) until everything is beautifully creamy and well combined. This is where the magic happens—your curry goes from tasty to utterly irresistible. Give it a final taste and adjust the salt or spice to suit your preference.

Step 4: Serve it Up With Rice & Cilantro

Spoon the red curry lentils over a bed of fluffy rice, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top, and get ready for those happy sighs. I always make sure there’s extra rice on hand because this curry definitely deserves to be soaked up!

How to Serve Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of fresh cilantro here—it adds that bright, fresh pop that cuts through the creaminess perfectly. Sometimes I also toss on a squeeze of lime or a few chopped green onions if I have them. The contrast really brings the dish together beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your red curry lentils with jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For extra veggies, a simple cucumber salad or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli make a refreshing balance to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, I love serving the lentils in small bowls alongside individual rice portions topped with cilantro and a wedge of lime—looks beautiful and feels a bit special. You could even use lettuce wraps for a lighter presentation or pair with naan bread for scooping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The lentils thicken as they sit, so you might want to stir in a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating to get that lovely saucy texture back.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion leftover curry into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge when I want an easy meal. Just remember to stir well after reheating because the coconut milk can separate a bit.

Reheating

I usually reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce. This keeps the lentils creamy and prevents them from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on those nights when I want big flavor with minimal effort. I love how it’s healthy, comforting, and versatile enough to adapt with handfuls of fresh herbs or veggies whenever I like. I honestly can’t recommend it enough if you’re new to cooking curries, or just want a fast, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try — I’m pretty sure your family or friends will be asking for this one again and again!

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