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Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful meal combining wholesome lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, made quickly and easily in your Instant Pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy lunches, this adaptable soup offers a comforting blend of taste, texture, and nourishment.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup red or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat the olive oil, then add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add spices and lentils: Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Stir to lightly toast the spices. Add the rinsed lentils and stir to coat them with the aromatic mixture for enhanced flavor.
  3. Pour in tomatoes and broth: Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and the bay leaf. Stir well, ensuring the lentils are fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
  4. Pressure cook the soup: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid.
  5. Final seasoning and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

  • Rinse lentils well to remove dust and improve texture.
  • Don’t skip sautéing vegetables and spices to develop deeper flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of broth carefully to avoid soup being too runny.
  • Use natural pressure release to finish cooking gently and reduce splatter.
  • Add fresh greens or herbs at the end to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Lentil Soup, Vegan Soup, Gluten Free, Healthy, Easy Soup, Pressure Cooker