Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe

So there I was, craving something warm and cozy, when this lentil soup came to mind—it’s like a hug in a bowl, packed with flavor, and the ultimate comfort food for that perfect lazy evening.

There’s nothing like a satisfying, delicious soup, and this Instant Pot Lentil Soup is not only super tasty but also deliciously healthy. Surprisingly, I don’t make lentil soup that often, and when I do, it’s always in the Instant Pot.

I guess I take the whole concept of “Instant” in “Instant Pot” quite literally, and lentils are an ingredient that are truly great for throwing into the Pot. They cook up really fast and with no fuss at all.

Ingredients

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Olive Oil: This healthy fat adds richness and depth.

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Onion: Provides a savory flavor base, rich in antioxidants.

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Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and fiber.

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Celery: Brings a subtle saltiness and crunch.

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Garlic: Known for its bold aroma and immune-boosting benefits.

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Lentils: High in protein and fiber, they offer a hearty texture.

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Cumin: Adds earthiness and enhances the soup’s warmth.

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Diced Tomatoes: Contribute acidity and umami balance.

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Lemon Juice: Brightens and adds a touch of acidity.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make this

1. Adjust your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and warm the olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, while stirring with some occasional breaks, until the onion turns translucent. This will take about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until the garlic is very fragrant and just starting to turn golden brown.

3. Add the rinsed lentils, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and turmeric. Mix very well so the spices evenly coat the vegetables and lentils.

4. Include the can of diced tomatoes, with the juice, in the pot and stir it well to ensure a good mix.

5. Add in the vegetable stock and bay leaves. Stir into the sautéed vegetables, making sure the lentils are fully submerged in the liquid. Turn the heat up and bring it to a low boil.

6. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering you can make adjustments after the food is fully cooked.

7. Secure the Instant Pot lid and position the vent so it can seal. Choose the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) setting and ensure the Pot is cooking under high pressure for 15 minutes.

8. After the cooking time is done, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

9. Open the lid and mix in the lemon juice. Throw away the bay leaves, and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper, if necessary.

10. Serve the soup steaming, with an elegant garnish of freshly chopped parsley. Savor every spoonful of this incredibly delicious and nutritious soup.

Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Cutting board
3. Knife
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cup
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Mixing bowl (optional, for rinsing lentils)
8. Can opener
9. Ladle
10. Serving bowls

FAQ

• Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green lentils?Indeed, red lentils tend to cook much quicker than their counterparts, which might yield a somewhat altered texture in whatever dish you’re making. So, you may want to monitor the cooking time more closely than you would with other legumes.
• Is it possible to make this soup without an Instant Pot?Definitely! You can make it on the stovetop. Just perform the same ritual and allow it to gently bubble for about 45 minutes to an hour until the lentils are yielding.
• Can I freeze the leftover lentil soup?This soup freezes excellently. Cool it completely before moving it to storage containers that have been sealed airtight. It can be stored in the freezer for as long as 3 months.
• How can I make this soup spicier?To add even more heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper in with the vegetables when you sauté them.
• What can I use as a substitute for lemon juice?If lemon juice isn’t on hand, try a bit of acidity from an alternative such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• How do I adjust for a thicker soup?For a thicker soup, use slightly less broth or blend part of the soup and stir it back in.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute olive oil with avocado oil or canola oil.
Use red lentils, though they will result in a different texture, to replace brown or green lentils.
Paprika: Use regular paprika along with a dash of cayenne to achieve the smokiness and spiciness of smoked paprika.
Vegetable broth: For a comparable taste, use chicken broth or mix a bouillon cube with water.
Lemon juice: Swap it with lime juice for a different citrusy touch.

Pro Tips

1. Sauté for Depth Take your time sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re well caramelized. This enhances the depth of flavor in your soup, as the caramelization adds a sweet and savory complexity.

2. Spice Boost Lightly toast the cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, and turmeric with the vegetables for about 30 seconds before adding the lentils. This will help to release their natural oils and enhance their flavors.

3. Tomato Boost If you have time, use whole peeled tomatoes that you’ve crushed by hand or with a fork instead of diced tomatoes. This gives a richer texture and allows you more control over the size of the tomato pieces.

4. Lentil Texture To ensure the lentils are cooked to your preference, check them for tenderness before releasing pressure by letting the Instant Pot naturally release for a few extra minutes if needed.

5. Flavor Finish Add a dash of lemon zest along with the lemon juice at the end for a brighter, more aromatic finish. The zest provides an extra layer of citrusy fragrance that complements the richness of the soup.