Instant Pot Lentil Coconut Curry

by Laura Hearn, CNE in The Clear Skin Solution

Stepping into the new year, there’s one thing I absolutely adore doing: a pantry reset. It involves clearing out the old, organizing everything, and then stocking up on essential staples. These staples are ready to be whipped into delicious, nutritious meals that really set me up for success, especially on those hectic weeknights.

Having a well-stocked pantry means that dishes like my Instant Pot Lentil Coconut Curry can be transformed into a healthy, one-pot wonder in just minutes. This kind of effortless cooking adds joy to my kitchen. It turns home-cooked meals into a stress-free delight rather than a burdensome task.

Bringing Pantry Staples to Life

With these staples on hand, you now have the basis to whip up a quick, delicious, and nourishing meal, including this Instant Pot Lentil Coconut Curry. Packed with health benefits, perfectly balanced with protein, healthy fats, and fibre, and crafted with anti-inflammatory skin-loving ingredients, this curry is a delicious and nourishing addition to your busy weeknight meal plan.

My Top Pantry Staples for Building Healthy Meals

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A kitchen must-have, extra virgin olive oil is loaded with antioxidants, like vitamin E. It guards your skin against oxidative stress, promotes a natural glow, and supports gut health. It aids digestion, stimulates enzymes, nurtures good bacteria, and helps in reducing inflammation.

Usage Tip: Ideal as a salad dressing base or for adding a flavour boost to roasted vegetables.

Lentils/Beans

These aren’t just protein powerhouses; they’re champions for gut health. Packed with fibre, they ensure smooth digestion and contribute to clear, radiant skin. Their protein supports tissue repair and collagen production, while antioxidants provide anti-aging benefits.

Usage Tip: Explore their versatility in main meals, soups, dips, and salads.

Coconut Milk

More than a creamy dairy alternative, coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that help reduce inflammation, fuel the brain, and ease digestive issues.

Usage Tip: Add it to your morning smoothie or use it as a creamy base for a cozy matcha.

Spices

These flavour enhancers also boost health. Take turmeric, for instance, with its anti-inflammatory properties due to curcumin, which helps reduce acne-related redness, soothes breakouts, and brightens the skin.

Usage Tip: Get creative with spices. Add cinnamon to morning oats or cumin to roasted veggies for delicious dishes that are beneficial for gut and skin health.

Bringing Pantry Staples to Life

You can create quick, tasty, and nourishing meals with these staples, like this Instant Pot Lentil Curry. It’s an ideal dish for your busy weeknight routine, balanced with protein, healthy fats, and fibre and full of anti-inflammatory, skin-loving ingredients.

Instant Pot Lentil Coconut Curry

This Instant Pot Coconut Curry is an easy and delicious meal ready in just minutes. Great for the fall and winter months.

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 can coconut milk (14-ounce/400 mL0
• 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (14-ounce/400 mL / BPA-free lining)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cups cauliflower (chopped into florets)
• 2 cups sweet potato (peeled and cubed)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¾ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ cup uncooked red lentils
• 1 cup kale (chopped)

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients, except lentils and kale, in the Instant Pot. Stir well.
• Add red lentils on top, pressing them into the liquid (to avoid a burn notice, don't stir them in).
• Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to cook for 5 minutes on high pressure (manual setting).
• Carefully release the pressure, open the lid, and mix in the chopped kale.
• Serve with cooked rice.

Notes

NOTES:

• Mix it Up: Missing cauliflower or sweet potatoes? Swap them with whatever you have on hand, like carrots or butternut squash.