Instant Pot Creamy Coconut Red Lentil Dal with Chicken
A comforting, fragrant red lentil dal cooked in full-fat coconut milk and warm spices, finished with tender chicken breast and fresh spinach. Packed with clean protein and complex carbs, this effortless one-pot meal is easy on digestion.
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
40 min
Makes
5 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Marie + Lila
Marie created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
40 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Colander
Time saver
Storage & Reheating: This dal thickens in the fridge. When reheating single portions, add a splash of warm water or broth to restore its creamy consistency.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to the…
- 01
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to the…
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to the High Sauté setting. Add 1 tbsp oil, then add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Look for: the onion is soft and translucent
Tap card to mark done - 02
Stir in 1 tsp ground turmeric
Stir in 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant to bloom the spices.
Look for: fragrant to bloom the spices
Tap card to mark done - 03
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth…
Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot to prevent a burn error.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add the remaining 3
Add the remaining 3.5 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of rinsed dry red lentils, and 1 container (13.5 oz / 400ml) full-fat coconut milk. Stir well to combine.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Lock the Instant Pot lid in place…
Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and ensure the pressure release valve is set to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook (High) and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Allow: 5 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 06
Allow the pressure to release naturally for…
When the cooking time ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully switch the valve to Venting to release any remaining steam before removing the lid.
Allow: 10 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 07
Stir in 10 oz of cooked chopped…
Stir in 10 oz of cooked chopped chicken breast and 5 cups of fresh baby spinach. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted and the chicken is warmed through.
Look for: the spinach is fully wilted and the chicken is warmed through
Tap card to mark done - 08
Ladle equal portions into bowls and serve…
Ladle equal portions into bowls and serve warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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