Why this fits a family on a budget
Using dried red lentils and pantry canned goods keeps the cost around $1.22 per serving, making it one of the most budget-friendly protein-rich meals available. The Instant Pot does most of the work hands-free, so total active cooking time is under 15 minutes.
• 1.5 cups red lentils
• 1.5 cups jasmine rice
• 13.5 oz canned coconut milk
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp lemongrass paste
• 2 tbsp red curry paste
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 whole fresh lime
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground turmeric
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
1. Rinse the red lentils in a fine mesh strainer under cold water for 30 seconds, swishing them around until the water runs mostly clear. Set aside.
2. Dice the yellow onion into small pieces (about 1/2-inch) and mince the garlic cloves.
3. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add vegetable oil and heat for 1 minute until the display reads 'Hot.'
4. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes until the onion looks soft and slightly translucent.
5. Add the minced garlic, lemongrass paste, red curry paste, and turmeric. Stir constantly for 1 minute — the paste should darken slightly and smell very fragrant.
6. Pour in the rinsed lentils, canned diced tomatoes (with their liquid), coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon — this prevents a burn warning.
7. Cancel Sauté mode. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook (High) and set the timer for 8 minutes.
8. While the soup cooks, rinse jasmine rice and cook it on the stovetop: combine 1.5 cups rice with 2.25 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to the lowest setting, cover tightly, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam covered for 5 more minutes.
9. When the Instant Pot beeps, carefully switch the valve to Venting for a quick release — steam will shoot out, so keep your hands and face away. Wait until the pin drops (about 2 minutes) before opening the lid.
10. Stir the soup — it should be thick and creamy with soft, broken-down lentils. If it looks too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Add salt and squeeze the juice of the lime directly into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning.
11. Serve soup over or alongside jasmine rice, topped with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.