Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Have you ever tasted unconditional love in a bowl? No, I’m not talking about your grandma’s famous chicken noodle soup (although that comes pretty close). I’m talking about a piping hot bowl of Instant Pot Lentil Soup.

This lentil soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s packed with healthy ingredients like lentils, carrots, and celery, but it’s also got a rich, hearty flavor that will warm you to your core on a cold winter day. And best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just toss everything in your Instant Pot and let it do its thing.

Why I Love My Instant Pot Lentil Soup?

I’m more of a lovely summer gal myself. Give me all the sunshine, beach days, and outdoor picnics. So, when winters come knocking at my door, I like to make sure I have a few hearty recipes in my repertoire to transport me back to the cheer of bright, warm days.

And this Instant Pot Lentil Soup is one of those recipes. It’s the perfect meal to cozy up when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a little pick-me-up.

Lentil soup is a powerhouse of nutrients. Lentils are a source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals like folate, potassium, and magnesium.

So not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also good for you. And that’s a win-win in my book.

Let’s quickly go over how to prepare this Instant Pot Lentil Soup recipe, shall we?

Classic Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil: I usually just grab whatever is in my pantry. You can do the same.
• 1 large onion diced: Onion is a critical ingredient in this soup. It adds a ton of flavor, so don’t skip it!
• 3 carrot slices: Good for the eyes and the soul.
• 3 stalks of celery sliced: Celery adds a beautiful crunch to the soup.
• 1 ½ cups uncooked green lentils: The light peppery flavor of green lentils works well in this soup. They also hold their shape well, so they’re perfect for a hearty soup like this.
• 8 cups vegetable broth: Vegan, low-sodium, and gluten-free. What’s not to love?
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes: Tomatoes add a lovely acidity to the soup and contribute to the beautiful color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget the salt and pepper. To spice things up, you can also use smoked paprika, cumin, or chili flakes.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: It is completely optional, but I love the freshness that parsley adds to the soup.

Instructions:

• Wash and chop all your vegetables
• Press sauté mode on the instant pot and add oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the carrot, onion, and celery. Now sauté for 5 minutes.
• Cancel sauté mode and add the lentil, diced tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper, and stir.
• Close the lid of the instant pot, place the valve in the seal position, select manual high pressure, and add 12 minutes. The pressure will take about 15 – 20 minutes to rise and start cooking.
• After 12 minutes, immediately release the pressure, and open the lid.
• Stir in parsley and serve.

FAQs:

Are you ready to try this soul-soothing bowl of goodness for yourself? Great! Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you make the perfect Instant Pot Lentil Soup.

I Don’t Have an Instant Pot. Can I Still Make This Soup?

Of course! The soup isn’t doing any bias here. If you don’t own an Instant Pot, you can easily make it on the stovetop. Simmer everything in a large pot over low heat until the lentils are cooked.

What Variations Can I Make to the Original Recipe?

There are so many good ways you can customize this Instant Pot Lentil Soup to make it your own. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

• Swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth.
• Add a few dashes of hot sauce for a little bit of spice.
• Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
• Stir in a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream before serving.
• Meat it up by adding cooked bacon, sausage, or chicken.

You can also have your soup take you around the world with these variations:

1. Indian Flair: Add 1 tsp of curry, 1 tsp of cumin, and ½ tsp coriander.
2. Moroccan Flair: Add ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp allspice, and 1 tsp cumin.
3. Asian Flair: Add 1 tsp dry ginger, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder.
4. Southwester Flair: Add 1 tbsp of my Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning.

Which Lentil Should I Use for This Recipe?

I typically use brown or green lentils in this recipe, but you can use any lentil you have on hand. Just keep in mind that different types of lentils have different cooking times. So, if you’re using a different variety of lentils, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What Can I Serve with This Lentil Soup?

This soup is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’re looking for something to serve alongside it, I suggest a nice piece of crusty bread or a simple green salad. It’ll round out the meal perfectly.

How Much Would it Cost Me to Make This?

This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is incredibly budget-friendly. The recipe costs less than $10 to make, and it yields a big pot of soup that will last you for days.

Can I Reheat Instant Pot Lentil Soup?

Absolutely! In fact, this soup gets even better with time. The flavors have a chance to meld together, and the soup gets thicker and creamier.

To reheat, pour your desired amount of soup into a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through. You can also reheat individual bowls in the microwave. It’ll reheat like a dream.

Can I Freeze Instant Pot Lentil Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, then reheat it as described above. Yummy in your tummy!

More Easy Soups to Prep and Make!

• Instant Pot Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
• Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
• Instant Pot Southwest Chicken Soup
• Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Soup