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Instant Pot Lentils and Rice with Diced Tomatoes, Green Chiles, and Cheese Recipe

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This Instant Pot Lentils and Rice recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal combining brown rice, brown lentils, diced tomatoes, and spices cooked to perfection under pressure. Topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s a wholesome, comforting dinner ready in under an hour.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)

Grains and Legumes

  • 3/4 cup brown rice
  • 3/4 cup brown lentils

Liquids and Canned Goods

  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles

Seasonings

  • 1 Tbsp taco seasoning
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella and sharp cheddar preferred)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Combine the finely chopped red onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, brown rice, brown lentils, vegetable broth, petite diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, taco seasoning, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper in your Instant Pot. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
  2. Cook Under Pressure: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual mode on high pressure. Cook the mixture for 15 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes to ensure the lentils and rice are tender and flavors meld properly. Then carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
  3. Add Cheese and Let Melt: Open the Instant Pot lid and stir in half of the shredded cheese until well combined and slightly melted. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top, then close the lid again and let the dish stand for 5 minutes to allow the cheese on top to melt fully.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid, sprinkle the cooked lentils and rice with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve immediately. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy, flavorful meal straight from the pot!

Notes

  • Use brown rice and brown lentils for best results as they cook well together under pressure.
  • Feel free to substitute the vegetable broth with chicken broth if not strictly vegetarian.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of diced green chiles or add extra taco seasoning.
  • For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
  • Make sure to allow full natural pressure release to achieve ideal texture in rice and lentils.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/instant-pot-lentils-and-rice-with-diced-tomatoes-green-chiles-and-cheese-recipe/