Instant Pot Lentil Soup is incredibly soothing, and perfect for cold days. It’s more than a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. This easy and quick recipe is filled with nutritious goodness and rich flavors that boost your mood and nourish your body

For those with busy lives or following a vegan diet, this soup is ideal. It’s a great choice for both busy weekdays and relaxing weekends. It’s a perfect mix of convenience and health.

Key Takeaways

• The recipe uses a blend of red and brown lentils for an enhanced flavor profile.
• Total cooking time in an Instant Pot is approximately 16 minutes, with an extra 5 minutes for pressure release.
• The soup is rich in vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, and zucchini.
• This dish is both gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs.
• A full serving includes 11g of protein and 12g of dietary fiber, making it a nutritious meal choice.
• Perfect for meal prep, this soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Introduction to Instant Pot Lentil Soup

The easy instant pot lentil soup recipe is a delicious and nourishing meal. It’s perfect for those who want a comforting dish without spending hours cooking. This soup uses an instant pot to cook quickly, making it ready in just 15 minutes.

This recipe is simple and fast. It cooks for only 10 minutes after the pressure is released. This quick instant pot lentil soup is a great example of how to cook healthy and fast.

The ingredients for this recipe are wholesome and flavorful. You’ll need 1.5 cups of dried brown lentils, 6 cups of chicken broth, and fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini. Diced tomatoes and onion add to the flavor.

Ground mild Italian sausage adds a savory touch and boosts the protein. Optional toppings like Parmesan cheese and fresh basil add extra flavor. Each serving has about 284 calories, 17 grams of fat, and 6 grams of fiber.

Making this soup is straightforward. Just prepare the ingredients, set your Instant Pot, and let it work its magic. It shows that healthy eating can be simple. This easy instant pot lentil soup recipe is a great choice for any day.

Ingredients for a Flavorful Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Making a tasty flavorful instant pot lentil soup begins with picking the right ingredients. Here, you’ll get a list of must-haves and extras to make your soup both healthy and tasty.

Essential Ingredients

To make a vegetarian instant pot lentil soup full of flavor, you need these key ingredients:

• Lentils: 1 1/2 cups of rinsed red lentils. For other types, like brown or green, use 1 cup lentils to 2 cups liquid.
• Carrots: 240g total weight, about 4 small carrots, finely diced.
• Onion: 1 small onion, diced.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, finely chopped.
• Diced Tomatoes: One can (about 14-15 ounces) of crushed tomatoes.
• Vegetable Stock: 3 vegetable stock pots mixed with 2.5 liters of boiling water.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
• Herbs and Spices: 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, a pinch of thyme, and a dash of oregano.
• Additional Vegetables: 1 medium diced carrot and 1 celery rib for added texture and flavor.

Optional Add-ins

To make your flavorful instant pot lentil soup even better, try these optional add-ins:

• Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice for a refreshing zesty touch.
• Turmeric: Add a teaspoon of turmeric to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
• Red Curry Paste: Use 1 tablespoon of red curry paste for a spicier soup.
• Parsley: A handful of fresh minced parsley for garnish.
• Other Lentil Types: Try French green lentils for a soft texture or brown lentils for a nutty flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed.

With these ingredients, you can make a vibrant and healthy vegetarian instant pot lentil soup. It will delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Making the perfect Instant Pot lentil soup is all about preparation and cooking steps. Here’s how to create a delicious vegan instant pot lentil soup that’s both healthy and tasty.

Preparing the Ingredients

First, gather all the ingredients and prepare them as follows:

1. Rinse the Lentils: Measure 1 ½ cups (300 g) of brown lentils and rinse them under cold water. This removes any debris or impurities.
2. Chop Vegetables: Dice onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. These will add flavor to your soup.
3. Measure Broth: Prepare 5 cups (1.2 liters) of vegetable stock. It’s needed to cook the lentils evenly.

With your ingredients ready, you can start cooking.

Cooking the Soup

1. Layer Ingredients in Instant Pot: Start by layering the diced vegetables at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add the rinsed lentils on top, followed by the vegetable stock.
2. Set Instant Pot to Manual: Seal the lid, set it to manual high pressure, and cook for 15 minutes. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes after.
3. Add Spinach: Open the lid after pressure release, and stir in 2 cups (100 g) of baby spinach. The heat will wilt it, adding freshness to your soup.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices. Make it your own.

Enjoy your savory instant pot lentil soup, full of nutrition and flavor. It’s perfect for a hearty, healthy meal.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

Make your easy instant pot lentil soup recipe even better with some great serving ideas and tasty toppings. These suggestions will boost the flavor and make your meal more enjoyable and visually appealing.

Perfect Pairings

Choosing the right sides can turn your soup into a full meal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, is perfect for soaking up the broth.
2. Fresh Salad: A light, crunchy salad with greens like arugula, spinach, or kale adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
3. Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich pairs well, adding a melty, cheesy touch to the soup.
4. Flatbread: Warm flatbread or naan is great for dipping and enhances the meal’s experience.

Storing and Reheating Your Instant Pot Lentil Soup

To keep your soup fresh, cool it down first. Then, put it in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer. For the fridge, use it within four days. Freezing is good for up to three months.

Reheating your soup in the Instant Pot is quick and easy. The Keep Warm function slowly warms it up. This method is great for those who don’t like microwaves or want to avoid constant attention.

For creamy soups, add a little liquid to prevent scorching. Use the Sautee function at low heat. Reheat delicate items like pasta or veggies until just warm.

Here’s a detailed table for you:

Many people find reheating in the Instant Pot faster than microwaves or stovetops. It’s also precise with the pressure-cook setting. This makes reheating easy and keeps your soup tasty.

Conclusion

With an easy instant pot lentil soup recipe, you get a meal that’s both nutritious and quick. This soup is not only easy to make but also full of good stuff for your body. It’s ready in just 40 minutes, making it a great choice for a fast meal.

This recipe is also super flexible. You can change it up to fit your diet or taste. Add your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices to make it your own. It’s a hit with everyone, no matter what they like.

Make sure to store leftovers well to enjoy your soup later. It keeps in the fridge for 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Reheating it brings back all the comfort and health benefits. Happy cooking!