Hearty Lentil Instant Pot Soup

Lentil soup is a classic comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you crave a nutritious and satisfying meal. This recipe elevates the traditional lentil soup by using the Instant Pot, which significantly reduces cooking time and intensifies the flavors. Get ready for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make lentil soup that’s ready in under an hour!

Why the Instant Pot is Perfect for Lentil Soup

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for lentil soup. Here’s why:

• Speed: Lentils typically take a while to cook on the stovetop. The Instant Pot drastically reduces the cooking time, often cutting it in half or more. You can have a delicious and healthy meal ready in a fraction of the time.

• Flavor: Pressure cooking infuses the lentils and vegetables with a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with traditional methods. The sealed environment allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer, more complex taste.

• Texture: The Instant Pot cooks lentils to a perfect tenderness. You can control the cooking time to achieve your desired consistency, from slightly firm to creamy.

• Convenience: It’s a one-pot meal! Sauté the vegetables directly in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. This reduces cleanup and simplifies the cooking process.

The Ultimate Hearty Lentil Instant Pot Soup Recipe

This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful and nutritious lentil soup. Feel free to adapt it to your own taste preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time for 22 minutes.

4. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.

5. Adjust Consistency and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup if you prefer a creamier texture. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender, but be very careful when blending hot liquids. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Rinsing Lentils: Rinsing lentils before cooking helps remove any debris and can improve their texture.
• Broth Choice: Vegetable broth makes this soup vegetarian and vegan. Chicken broth adds a richer flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked lentils can become mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking time for the best texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup after cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Variations and Additions

This lentil soup is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Add Protein: Add cooked sausage, ham, chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal. Simply stir it in after the pressure cooking is complete.
• Spice it Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Add Greens: Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
• Indian-Inspired: Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, and a pinch of cumin for an Indian-inspired flavor. Top with a dollop of plain yogurt or coconut milk.
• Mediterranean Flair: Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist.
• Different Lentils: While this recipe calls for brown or green lentils, you can also use red lentils. Red lentils cook much faster, so reduce the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Hearty lentil soup is a complete meal in itself, but it can also be served as a starter or side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Bread: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or naan for dipping.
• Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad for a light and refreshing complement.
• Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing! A grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of lentil soup.
• Yogurt: A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream adds a creamy and tangy element.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill add a pop of color and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use red lentils in this recipe? Yes, you can. Red lentils cook much faster, so reduce the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.

• Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking? No, you don’t need to soak the lentils before cooking in the Instant Pot.

• Can I freeze lentil soup? Yes, lentil soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

• How long does lentil soup last in the fridge? Lentil soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Can I make this soup on the stovetop? Yes, you can. Sauté the vegetables as directed, then add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

• Is this soup vegan? Yes, this soup is vegan if you use vegetable broth.

• Can I add meat to this soup? Yes, you can add cooked sausage, ham, chicken, or tofu. Stir it in after the pressure cooking is complete.

• My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out? Add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.