Instant Pot lentil soup is a cozy, hearty dish that brings warmth to any table. This easy recipe is packed with flavors and nutrients, making it a family-friendly, kid-approved choice. Its comforting nature and quick preparation make it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions. You’ll want to make this delicious soup again and again!
Table of Contents
Why Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a Must-Try
The Comforting Benefits of Lentil Soup
Lentil soup isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly nourishing. Rich in protein, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and iron, this soup supports your health while tantalizing your taste buds. Each bowl is warm and inviting, ideal for cozy evenings spent with loved ones.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Quick Dinners
This instant pot lentil soup is your go-to for meal prep. It stores beautifully and can be portioned out for quick lunches and dinners throughout the week. Your family will appreciate the heartiness, while you enjoy the time saved in the kitchen!
How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small diced
- 4 medium carrots, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups French green lentils
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (15 ounces)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounces)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- Chopped fresh parsley (for serving)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
- Crusty bread (optional for serving)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Start by heating olive oil in your instant pot using the sauté setting. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and begins to brown, about 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the carrots and celery. Add them to the pot, along with thyme, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Sauté for around 2 minutes until these vegetables soften slightly.
Next, stir in the lentils and minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Seal the instant pot and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 to 15 minutes before opening the lid. Give the soup a good stir, remove the thyme stems, and adjust the consistency with water or broth if desired. Season to taste and serve hot, garnished with parsley, Parmesan, and crusty bread if you’d like.
Tips for Perfecting Your Soup
For best results, always rinse your lentils before using them. This removes any debris and ensures a clean flavor. Also, feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your personal taste. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs and spices!
Variations and Customizations
Adding Proteins: Sausage, Bacon, or Ham
You can easily add protein to your instant pot lentil soup. Sausage, bacon, or ham can bring a savory depth to the dish. Just sauté them along with the onions for a rich flavor.
Vegan Alternatives and Ingredient Swaps
If you’re looking for vegan alternatives, consider adding mushrooms or kale for a hearty texture. You can also swap out the vegetable broth for mushroom broth for an enhanced umami flavor.
Cooking on the Stovetop
If you prefer the stovetop method, follow the same steps up to adding the broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 25 minutes. You’ll still enjoy a delightful, comforting soup!
Storing and Reheating Your Lentil Soup
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
To store your leftover soup, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish several times!
How to Reheat for Optimal Flavor
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave. This helps maintain its rich flavors and texture.
Freezing Lentil Soup for Future Meals
To freeze your soup, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, so it tastes just as delightful as the first time.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Complementary Side Dishes
Pair your soup with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. The crunchy texture of the bread complements the smoothness of the soup perfectly!
Delicious Toppings and Garnishes
Top your lentil soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of parsley for a burst of flavor. These small additions elevate the dish and make it restaurant-worthy!
Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
Essential Kitchen Equipment
For this recipe, you’ll need an instant pot, a cutting board, and a good chef’s knife. These tools make the preparation seamless and enjoyable.
Recommended Instant Pot Models
While any instant pot model works, I recommend the Instant Pot Duo for its versatility and user-friendly features. It’s perfect for any home cook!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for instant pot lentil soup?
You’ll need olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, French green lentils, garlic, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
How long does it take to cook lentil soup in an instant pot?
The cooking time for lentil soup in an instant pot is 15 minutes on HIGH pressure, plus a natural pressure release of 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I use dried lentils for instant pot soup?
Yes, dried lentils work perfectly for instant pot soup; just make sure to rinse them before use.
What are some variations for instant pot lentil soup recipes?
You can add proteins like sausage, bacon, or ham, or substitute lentils with red or brown lentils. Veggies like mushrooms or kale can be added for extra nutrition.
How do I store and reheat leftover instant pot lentil soup?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for the best flavor.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
Instant pot lentil soup is a delightful dish that’s both nutritious and comforting. With its hearty ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy days. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my Pinterest page for additional recipes and ideas. It’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy a warm bowl of this delicious soup tonight!
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion small diced
- 4 medium carrots diced
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups French green lentils
- 4 cloves garlic minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (15 ounces)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 ounces)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional for serving
- Crusty bread optional for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot and sauté the diced onion until soft and browned, about 8 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, thyme, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper, sautéing for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in lentils and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Seal the Instant Pot and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes, allowing pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes.
- Open the lid, stir the soup, remove thyme stems, adjust consistency with water or broth, and season to taste.
