Are you in the mood for something warm, comforting, and packed with nutrients? If so, this Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup recipe is just what you need! Lentils are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They cook quickly, especially red lentils, and they’re a powerhouse of nutrition-rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Using the Instant Pot to make this soup saves time while delivering that hearty, wholesome flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or need a meal prep for the week, this recipe is a winner. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make-just throw everything in the Instant Pot and let it work its magic. This recipe also works great for those looking for vegetarian or vegan meals. Ready to dive into this nourishing bowl of goodness? Let’s break it all down.
Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup Recipe
This Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup is a simple yet delicious dish that comes together in no time. The flavors meld beautifully with the help of the Instant Pot, giving you a soup that’s creamy, hearty, and comforting. Perfect for those busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead!
Ingredients Needed
-
1 Cup Red Lentils
Red lentils cook quickly and break down into a smooth, creamy texture, making them ideal for soups.
-
1 Medium Onion, Diced
Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
-
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
Garlic brings in that warm, aromatic punch to balance the flavors.
-
2 Medium Carrots, Diced
Carrots add a natural sweetness and a bit of crunch, giving the soup texture.
-
2 Celery Stalks, Diced
Celery brings a fresh, crisp flavor that complements the other veggies.
-
1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
Cumin infuses the soup with a smoky, earthy flavor, elevating the taste.
-
1 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric
Turmeric adds a warm, slightly bitter flavor and its signature golden color.
-
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
Coriander has a citrusy, nutty flavor, providing balance to the earthier spices.
-
1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
This smoky spice gives the soup depth and a bit of heat.
-
4 Cups Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth serves as the base, providing that savory undertone to the soup.
-
1 Can (14.5 Oz) Diced Tomatoes
Tomatoes bring in acidity and brightness, cutting through the richness of the lentils.
-
Salt And Pepper To Taste
These will help round out the flavors, adding seasoning as needed.
-
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
To sauté the vegetables and add a bit of richness.
-
Juice of half a lemon (optional, but recommended)
A squeeze of lemon adds freshness and acidity to finish the soup.
-
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cilantro brightens the dish with a refreshing, herbaceous note.
Cooking Instructions
-
Sauté The Aromatics
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, throw in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent.
-
Add The Spices
Toss in the cumin, turmeric, coriander, and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the veggies in the spices. Let them sauté for another minute or two to bring out the full aroma of the spices.
-
Add The Remaining Ingredients
Add the red lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the lentils are submerged in the broth. The Instant Pot should be about halfway filled with liquid.
-
Cook The Soup
Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to "Sealing." Set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode on high for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
-
Release Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
-
Final Touches
Open the lid, and give the soup a good stir. The red lentils should have broken down into a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if necessary. For extra brightness, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.
-
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup brings something valuable to the table. Here’s a deeper look:
- Red Lentils: Unlike their green and brown counterparts, red lentils cook faster and break down into a creamy, velvety texture. They’re a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics are foundational to any savory dish. They provide base flavors that enhance the soup’s overall richness.
- Carrots & Celery: Both veggies offer subtle sweetness and texture. Carrots are high in vitamin A (good for your eyes and skin), and celery adds a fresh, slightly bitter crunch.
- Spices: The combination of cumin, turmeric, coriander, and paprika not only creates a rich, complex flavor profile but also gives the soup plenty of anti-inflammatory properties, especially from the turmeric.
- Vegetable Broth: Acts as the soup’s base. Make sure to use a high-quality broth for the best flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, ensure your broth is free from animal products.
- Tomatoes: Add acidity and freshness, cutting through the richness of the lentils. They’re also packed with vitamin C, making the soup even more nourishing.
- Lemon: The final squeeze of lemon juice adds a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the soup and brightening all the flavors.
Expert Tips
- Rinse your lentils: While red lentils don’t require pre-soaking, it’s always a good idea to rinse them before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use homemade broth: If possible, use homemade vegetable broth for the most robust flavor. It’s easy to make in large batches and freeze for future soups.
- Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more vegetable broth or water. If you like it thicker, just let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
- Keep it spicy: If you want a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the soup. It’ll complement the spices and give it a bit of heat.
- Garnish creatively: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or even a dollop of vegan yogurt can add freshness and creaminess. A sprinkle of roasted seeds can add texture.
Recipe Variations
This red lentil soup is highly adaptable. Here are a few ways to change it up:
- Add greens: Kale, spinach, or swiss chard would be great additions. Simply chop them and stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Creamy version: For a creamier texture, you can blend the soup partially with an immersion blender or add a splash of coconut milk at the end for richness.
- Meat lovers’ twist: If you’re not vegetarian, you could add some cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon. Brown the meat first, then add it to the soup during step 3.
- Sweet and savory: Add a few diced apples or raisins for a sweet contrast to the savory spices. A touch of cinnamon could work too.
Final Words
This Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. It’s nutritious, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Plus, the Instant Pot makes the cooking process so much quicker without sacrificing taste or texture. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or as part of your meal prep, you can always count on this recipe to satisfy your cravings and fuel your body.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For An Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup?
The basic ingredients for Instant Pot red lentil soup include red lentils, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, vegetable broth, spices such as cumin, turmeric, and coriander, and optional additions like spinach or lemon juice for extra flavor.
Can I Make Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup Without Vegetable Broth?
Yes, you can use water in place of vegetable broth. However, the flavor will be less rich, so you may want to add extra seasonings or a vegetable bouillon cube to enhance the taste.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup?
Cooking red lentil soup in an Instant Pot typically takes about 10-12 minutes on high pressure. You should also allow additional time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and release naturally or quickly, depending on your preference.
Can I Use Dried Red Lentils For The Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup Recipe?
Yes, red lentils are dried legumes, and they cook quickly in the Instant Pot. There is no need to soak them beforehand, which makes them a perfect choice for quick cooking recipes.
How Do I Prevent The Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup From Becoming Mushy?
Red lentils naturally break down as they cook, which results in a creamy texture. To prevent overcooking, be sure to use the correct cooking time (10-12 minutes) and avoid manually stirring before cooking, as this can cause the lentils to break down too much.
Can I Freeze Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup?
Yes, Instant Pot red lentil soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or heat it directly from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What Are Some Variations I Can Try In An Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup Recipe?
You can experiment by adding ingredients like coconut milk for creaminess, tomatoes for acidity, or spinach and kale for extra greens. You could also add different spices such as curry powder, smoked paprika, or ginger for additional depth of flavor.
How Do I Adjust The Thickness Of Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup?
To make the soup thicker, use less broth or cook it for a longer time to allow more liquid to evaporate. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or water and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Is Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup Suitable For A Vegan Or Gluten-free Diet?
Yes, Instant Pot red lentil soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, as long as you use vegetable broth and check that any added seasonings are free of gluten. It’s a hearty, nutritious option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I Add Meat To The Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can add meat such as chicken, sausage, or beef to the soup. Brown the meat first in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before adding the other ingredients. Ensure to adjust cooking time if adding denser meats like beef.