🥣 Cozy Lentils with Spinach – Instant Pot & Stovetop Friendly

Have some flavorful homemade chicken stock sitting in your fridge? This simple, hearty lentil recipe will put it to delicious use. Whether you're cooking in a hurry with the Instant Pot, or prefer a slow simmer on the stovetop, these savory lentils with spinach are healthy, budget-friendly, and comforting.

And yes—it tastes even better the next day!

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🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils (brown or green, rinsed)
• 3 to 4 cups chicken stock (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, diced (optional, for a little sweetness)
• 1 tsp olive oil or butter
• ½ tsp salt (adjust based on how salty your stock is)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cumin or Italian seasoning (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (rough-chopped if large leaves)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (optional, for brightness)

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🥄 Method 1: Instant Pot Lentils with Spinach

Fast, hands-off, and flavorful. Perfect for busy evenings.

1. Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add oil, onion, and carrot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly soft.
2. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in lentils, 3 cups of chicken stock, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
4. Press Cancel, then set to Pressure Cook (High) for 9 minutes.
5. Let it naturally release for 5–10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Stir in fresh spinach. The heat will wilt it in under a minute.
7. Add lemon juice or vinegar (optional), taste, and adjust salt.
8. Serve warm with crusty bread, rice, or enjoy it solo!

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🥘 Method 2: Stovetop Lentils with Spinach

A classic slow simmer for when you want the house to smell amazing.

1. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and carrot. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic.
3. Add lentils and 3 cups of chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.
5. Add spinach, cook uncovered for 2–3 more minutes until wilted.
6. Add lemon juice or vinegar if using. Adjust seasoning and serve.

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🌿 Tips & Variations

• More veggies? Add diced zucchini, celery, or chopped tomato.
• Need protein? Stir in shredded chicken, turkey, or cooked sausage.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a spoon of plain yogurt when serving.

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💬 Final Thoughts

This recipe is one of those "build-it-your-way" dishes. Use what you have, adjust to your taste, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or batch cooking for the week, these lentils will not let you down.

Let me know in the comments: Instant Pot or stovetop—what’s your go-to method?