Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Leg Lentils – Recipe!

I know it might be a little too soon to discuss how to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers, but I’m a believer in having a plan beforehand, so you know exactly what to make with that extra turkey.  Turkey Leg Lentils are a cinch to make in an Instant Pot and in fact, I was quite surprised myself to taste how beautifully cooked lentils turned out to be in an electric pressure cooker.  Lentils can be a tricky thing to make on the stove top because they cook faster than you think and need a few ingredients to make them super tasty.

I used Umbrian lentils, but any brown or green lentils will do the trick.  A white onion and a peeled and diced carrot make up the base of this recipe.  I added a small clove of garlic to layer on flavor and then added the lentils, chicken broth and a touch of tomato paste.  I had a smoked turkey leg, but you can use a roasted turkey leg from your holiday dinner, or even a grilled turkey leg would add some additional smoky magic to the pot.  After 10 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and take two forks to shred the meat off the bone and stir into the lentils.  That’s how you use up that leftover turkey leg and turn it into another great meal that will keep you warm and cozy.

Ingredients

1 white onion, diced

1 carrot, peeled and diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups brown lentils

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

salt and pepper

bay leaf

2 teaspoons olive oil

fresh parsley, optional

(Serves 4-6)

To Prepare:

1. In an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, add 2 teaspoons oil.  Add onion and carrot and sauté for 3 minutes.  Add garlic and stir.  Cook 1 minute and add lentils.
2. Pour broth over top and add tomato paste, stir to combine.  Add 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and bay leaf.  Place lid on top and cook on high for 10 minutes.
3. Release steam immediately and remove lid.  Stir to combine lentils.
4. Using two forks, remove any skin from turkey leg and shred meat off bone.  Stir into lentils and remove bone.
5. Ladle into bowls and top with parsley, if desired.  Enjoy!