When it comes to wholesome, nutritious, and satisfying meals, Instant Pot lentil soup is a game-changer. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, lentil soup is one of those dishes that ticks all the boxes for comfort, health, and simplicity. What’s even better? You can make it in no time, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot! Whether you’re looking to meal prep for the week or want something hearty for a cozy evening dinner, this recipe is perfect.
Lentil soup, in its various forms, is popular across cultures for being a filling and versatile dish. In this recipe, we’re going to dive into the process of making a perfectly balanced, flavorful lentil soup using your trusty Instant Pot. Let’s get started!
Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe
This recipe combines the earthy, nutty flavor of lentils with a variety of vegetables, spices, and herbs to create a soup that’s rich in both taste and nutrition. What makes it so fantastic is how effortlessly the Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time without compromising flavor. If you’ve never made lentil soup in an Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat!
Ingredients Needed
Before you start cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this easy Instant Pot lentil soup. Here’s your ingredient list:
- Lentils – The star of the show! We’re using brown or green lentils for this soup as they hold their shape well while cooking.
- Olive oil – A small amount to sauté the aromatics and start building the base flavor.
- Onion – A large yellow or white onion, finely chopped. This adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Carrots – A couple of medium carrots, peeled and diced. Their subtle sweetness complements the earthy lentils.
- Celery – Two celery stalks, finely chopped. Celery gives a slight crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter undertone.
- Garlic – About 4 cloves, minced. Garlic brings that warm, aromatic depth that makes soups extra comforting.
- Diced tomatoes – A can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds a smoky tang, though regular diced tomatoes will work fine too.
- Vegetable broth – About 6 cups. For a vegetarian or vegan soup, vegetable broth is an excellent base, but chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian version.
- Spices – A mix of cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, ground coriander, and a dash of black pepper. These spices create layers of flavor, and the smoked paprika gives it a nice warmth and depth.
- Bay leaves – Just two leaves, which infuse the soup with a subtle herbal flavor.
- Salt – Season to taste. Start with a teaspoon and adjust as needed.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed, for a little acidic brightness to balance the earthiness of the lentils.
Cooking Instructions
Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to put it all together. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this incredible Instant Pot lentil soup:
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up.
- Once hot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant. This step really infuses the base with flavor.
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Add The Spices
- Now, toss in your cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, ground coriander, and black pepper. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes. This helps the spices bloom, releasing their essential oils and intensifying the flavor.
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Combine Lentils And Liquids
- Add your lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), and bay leaves to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add a pinch of salt. Give it another quick stir.
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Pressure Cook
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before switching the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
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Finishing Touches
- Open the lid and remove the bay leaves. Stir the soup and taste for seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Stir in a good squeeze of lemon juice for that zesty kick. It’ll brighten up all those rich, hearty flavors.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot! You can top it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for some creaminess.
Ingredient Insights
- Lentils: These tiny powerhouses are high in protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and anyone looking for a meatless, nutrient-packed meal. They also cook quickly compared to other dried beans and legumes, which makes them ideal for pressure cooking.
- Vegetable Broth: Opting for vegetable broth keeps this recipe vegan, but if you’re not vegetarian, chicken broth adds a lovely richness to the soup. Always choose a low-sodium broth to control the salt levels in your soup.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice provides that smoky, slightly sweet flavor, which elevates the soup’s depth. It’s a must-have in this recipe, and you’ll find that it pairs perfectly with the earthy lentils.
Expert Tips
- Soaking Lentils: While lentils don’t require soaking like beans, a quick rinse under cold water is still a good idea. It helps remove any debris or dust.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to play around with the spices. If you like a little heat, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes. If you prefer a more neutral flavor, skip the turmeric and paprika and focus on garlic and bay leaves.
- Texture Variations: For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup after cooking. Simply remove a couple of cups of the soup, blend them until smooth, and return it to the pot. This creates a lovely thick texture without needing cream.
Recipe Variations
One of the things that makes this Instant Pot lentil soup so wonderful is its flexibility. Here are some variations to consider:
- Add Greens: Throw in some fresh spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra vitamins and color.
- Add Protein: Want to make it even more filling? Add diced chicken or sausage (vegetarian or not) to the soup. Brown the meat in the Instant Pot first, then follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
- Spicy Twist: For a more fiery soup, toss in some chopped jalapeños or add a couple of spoonfuls of harissa. The heat will balance well with the earthiness of the lentils.
- Coconut Milk: Stir in coconut milk toward the end of cooking for a creamier, slightly sweet version of the soup.
Final Words
Lentil soup is a classic for a reason. It’s versatile, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With your Instant Pot, you can cut the cooking time drastically while still achieving that slow-simmered, rich flavor. Plus, it’s the kind of soup that only gets better as leftovers, so you can enjoy it for days after!
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For An Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe?
For a basic Instant Pot lentil soup, you will need lentils (green or brown), vegetable or chicken broth, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes (optional), olive oil, and seasoning such as cumin, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. You can also add greens like spinach or kale for added flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Lentil Soup In An Instant Pot?
Lentil soup typically takes around 15 minutes of cook time on the ’Manual’ or ’Pressure Cook’ setting. However, the Instant Pot takes about 10 minutes to come to pressure, so the total time is around 25 minutes.
Do I Need To Soak Lentils Before Cooking Them In The Instant Pot?
No, lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking in the Instant Pot. They cook quickly and thoroughly without pre-soaking, which is one of the advantages of using an Instant Pot.
Can I Use Dried Lentils In My Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe?
Yes, dried lentils are perfect for Instant Pot lentil soup recipes. They cook quickly and are ideal for pressure cooking. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
How Do I Make My Instant Pot Lentil Soup Thicker?
To thicken the lentil soup, you can either blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender, or you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to the soup and cook it for a few more minutes.
Can I Freeze Instant Pot Lentil Soup?
Yes, Instant Pot lentil soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove or in the microwave.
What Is The Best Type Of Lentils To Use In Instant Pot Soup?
The most common types of lentils used for soup are green and brown lentils. They hold their shape well during cooking. Red lentils can also be used but will break down more and create a smoother, thicker soup.
Can I Add Meat To My Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can add meat to your lentil soup. Options like sausage, ham, or chicken are commonly added. If you’re adding meat, cook it with the onions and garlic before adding the lentils and broth to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup Spicier?
To make your lentil soup spicier, you can add chili powder, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper. Adjust the spice level to your preference, and be sure to taste test along the way.
Can I Cook Instant Pot Lentil Soup Without Using Broth?
Yes, you can substitute the broth with water. However, broth adds a lot of flavor, so if you prefer to use water, consider adding extra seasonings or a bouillon cube to enhance the taste.