Instant Pot Lentil Soup: Quick & Hearty Comfort Food

Key Takeaways

• Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a quick, hearty, and nutritious meal that comes together in under an hour.
• This pressure cooker lentil soup is packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic seasonings for maximum flavor.
• Customizable and versatile, the Instant Pot Lentil Soup can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options.
• The Instant Pot’s efficient cooking method helps to preserve the nutrients and texture of the ingredients, making this a healthy and satisfying soup option.
• With easy prep and hands-off cooking, this instant pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping throughout the week.

What is Instant Pot Lentil Soup?

Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a hearty, protein-rich soup. It uses the Instant Pot for quick and easy cooking. Lentils add fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it a healthy meal.

Description

This soup is a mix of vegetables, broth, and spices with lentils. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking makes it flavorful fast. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup is packed with protein. Lentils are a great plant-based protein source. This soup is full of nutrients, leaving you feeling full and nourished.

Broth and Seasonings

To make the Instant Pot Lentil Soup taste amazing, you need a tasty broth and various seasonings. The broth, whether vegetable or chicken, cooks the lentils and veggies. Seasonings like garlic, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cumin add warmth and depth.

With these key ingredients, you get a vegan lentil soup or a vegetarian lentil soup that’s both healthy and comforting. The mix of lentils, veggies, broth, and spices creates a delicious dish for any season.

1. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

   Making this Instant Pot Lentil Soup is straightforward. With minimal prep and just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

   Ingredients

   • 1 cup lentils (green, brown, or red)
   • 1 medium onion, diced
   • 2 carrots, chopped
   • 2 celery stalks, chopped
   • 2 garlic cloves, minced
   • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
   • 1 teaspoon cumin
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
   • Salt and pepper to taste

   Instructions

   1. Sauté the Aromatics: Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add a little oil, then sauté the diced onions for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.

   2. Add the Ingredients: Pour in the lentils, carrots, celery, broth, and all the seasonings—cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

   3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Bean/Chili” or “Manual” mode. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.

   4. Release the Pressure: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

   5. Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. If you like it chunky, skip this step.

   6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

This simple instant pot lentil soup recipe makes a nourishing meal fast. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking brings out the flavors. It makes the lentils and vegetables tender, creating a cozy pressure cooker lentil soup.

The Benefits of Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Instant Pot Lentil Soup is more than just a tasty comfort food. It’s also full of health benefits. Lentils, the main ingredient, are packed with nutrients. They’re rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

This makes Instant Pot Lentil Soup a great choice for adding plant-based protein to your diet.

This soup also has a mix of healthy vegetables and a tasty broth. It’s loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The Instant Pot cooking method keeps these nutrients intact. So, every spoonful is full of goodness.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup is perfect for anyone, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or eat meat. It’s a healthy meal that’s delicious all year round. Its mix of nutrition and flavor makes it a favorite for those looking for a protein-packed soup.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

A hearty, protein-packed, and nutritious lentil soup that comes together quickly in an Instant Pot. This recipe combines lentils, vegetables, and spices to create a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The Instant Pot ensures the soup is ready in under an hour while preserving the nutrients of the ingredients.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Servings 6 People

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup dried lentils green, brown, or red
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
• Optional: 1 medium potato cubed (for a thicker texture)
• For Garnish optional:
• Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
• Drizzle of olive oil
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Instructions

 

• Prep the Ingredients:
• Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and potato (if using), and mince the garlic.
• Sauté the Aromatics:
• Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
• Add Vegetables and Spices:
• Turn off the “Sauté” mode. Add the carrots, celery, and potato (if using) to the Instant Pot. Pour in the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
• Pressure Cook:
• Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Bean/Chili” mode. Cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes.
• Natural Pressure Release:
• Once the cooking cycle is finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Afterward, manually release any remaining pressure by turning the valve.
• Optional Blending:
• For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, skip this step.
• Serve:
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Lentils: Green and brown lentils hold their shape during cooking, offering a chunkier texture. Red lentils break down more, creating a creamier soup.
Texture: For a heartier soup, leave the vegetables and lentils whole. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup.
Protein Additions: To make this soup heartier, you can add shredded cooked chicken, sausage, or even crispy tofu for extra protein.
Freezing Instructions: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 38gFat: 6g

Keyword Healthy Lentil Soup, Instant Pot Lentil Soup, Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup, Quick Lentil Soup, Vegan Lentil Soup

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it turned out!

The Health Benefits of Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Not only is this soup comforting, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Here’s why:

1. Rich in Protein and Fiber

Lentils provide a high amount of plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized for hours.

2. Low in Calories

Despite being filling, lentils are low in calories. This makes the soup an excellent choice for anyone looking to manage their weight while still enjoying a hearty meal.

3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

The vegetables and lentils provide essential vitamins like B vitamins, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

4. Supports Digestive Health

The fiber in lentils helps promote healthy digestion, reducing the risk of constipation and other digestive issues.

Conclusion

nstant Pot Lentil Soup is a nourishing, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. It’s customizable, quick to prepare, and provides a healthy dose of plant-based protein and veggies. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish or pairing it with something like Vegan Mac and Cheese, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.With minimal prep time and the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can have this delicious, nutritious meal ready in under an hour. Try it out, experiment with the variations, and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness any time of the year!