Lentil Soup In Instant Pot

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Sauting The Vegetables With Broth:

How to Make EASY Lentil Soup in the Instant Pot!

Start by sautéing the diced/sliced onion and carrot in one cup of vegetable broth on the sauté setting of your Instant Pot for about 3 minutes just to get them going.

You dont want the vegetables to be mushy, but just start to soften. If your pressure cooker does not have a sauté setting, then sauté on the stove-top before adding. Otherwise, your soup might have crunchy onions and carrots.

I saute the vegetables in broth for this recipe. I have made it both with and without oil and really cant tell a difference. Adding oil does not enhance an\ythning in this lentil soup recipe.

I do not peel my carrots or potatoes. Just clean well and make sure any weird pieces are cut out.

Recipe Variations & Suggestions

Feel free to adapt this recipe to your familys preferences by substituting different ingredients. Here are a few of our personal favorites:

  • For extra flavor: A pinch of cumin powder, curry powder, turmeric powder, or chili powder.
  • Red Lentil: I suggest using brown lentils for this soup because they keep their shape better when cooked. If you have red lentils only, you can still make the soup, but the texture will be different due to the lentils disintegration while cooking.
  • French Lentil Soup: To make a more traditional French lentil soup, leave off the cumin and smoky paprika and use French green lentils instead. To give the soup more flavor, start by sautéing some chopped bacon before adding the onion, carrot, and celery.
  • Beans: If you want to add beans, use canned white beans and stir them in when the soup has been pressure cooked.
  • Other Greens: For garnish, you can use fresh spinach, kale, or chard. After the soup has finished cooking, add chopped fresh greens.
  • Topping: Add Parmesan , fresh chopped parsley, and a dash of spicy sauce.
  • Thickness: If you want a thicker or thinner soup, adjust the amount of liquid you add.
  • Herbs: The use of fresh herbs makes a significant difference. While you may certainly use a blend of dry herbs, fresh herbs provide a more vibrant and fresh flavor.

What To Pair With Lentil Soup

Crusty Bread Bread is mandatory for me with soup. Dipping bread in soup is always delicious.

Make a Salad Soup and salad have always been a classic combination. Toss together some iceberg and romaine lettuce for a delicious change in texture. I make this Instant Pot Pasta Salad often too. It might sound like a weird combo but I like it.

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This easy and healthy vegetarian Instant Pot Lentil soup is incredibly tasty and hearty! There are vegan lentil soup adaptations as well as crockpot instructions.

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Packed full of veggies and other delicious flavors, this Instant Pot lentil soup is going to knock your socks off!

You can make it in your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop. You can make it vegan, vegetarian, or omnivarian . Its versatile and delicious and so easy to make!

Looking for more vegan/vegetarian soup recipes? Check out Spicy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup and Gluten-Free Tomato Soup. Check out all my Instant Pot Soup recipes for more inspiration.

How Do You Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Instant Pot Lentil Soup {Quick and Easy Prep!}

Like many Instant Pot soup recipes, its a two-step process. First, you sauté your veggies in a bit of olive oil onion, carrots, celery, garlic. And include your spices cumin, turmeric, and thyme to really amp up the flavors.

Then, you add your broth and lentils, then place the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure.

Remove the lid after its done, stir in the spinach, and serve. Thats it!

For the full recipe, including exact measurements and directions, scroll down to the printable at the bottom of the page.

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How To Store Reheat And Freeze Lentil Soup

  • Store: Cool leftovers and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to help thin it out.
  • Freeze: Cool leftovers and place in a sealed container or freeze flat in a freezer safe zip top bag. To eat, let thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed above.

Why Make Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup

  • Delicious: No matter what benefits my recipes have, one thing they have in common is they always taste good!
  • Healthy: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with simple, wholesome fresh ingredients.
  • Leftovers: Especially if youre making a monster batch in the 8 quart pot. I mean, lentil and spinach soup for breakfast anyone?
  • Budget-friendly: No fussy ingredients. Most of it youll probably already have in your kitchen and if not, none of it will break the bank.
  • Easy: There is no sautéing beforehand and no presoaking the beans. With just 5 minutes of prep the pressure cooker does the work. It really doesnt get easier than this.

Looking for more bean soup ideas? Check out Instant Pot black bean soup, Instant Pot split pea soup, and Instant Pot minestrone.

Also Check: How To Cook Chicken Breast In The Instant Pot

Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe Ingredients

Heres what youll need to make this Instant Pot lentil soup recipe:

  • Lentils, of course! French green lentils and regular green lentils both work well in this recipe, adding earthy flavor and plant-based protein.
  • Onion, garlic, carrot, and celery They add savory depth of flavor.
  • Kale Any variety works! Youll add the stems early in the cooking process and stir in the leaves right at the end.
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes For smoky, tangy flavor.
  • White wine vinegar It makes the soup nice and bright.
  • Ground cumin It brings out the earthiness of the lentils.
  • Fresh thyme It gives the soup fresh, aromatic depth of flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes For heat.
  • Vegetable broth Use store-bought, or make your own.
  • And sea salt and fresh black pepper To make all the flavors pop!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How To Make Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Soup

How to Make Vegan Lentil Soup | Instant Pot Recipe

In only 15 minutes in the Instant Pot and my soup was ready to serve, this is amazing!

I added onion, celery, garlic, ginger, and thyme.

Next, I added the carrots, potatoes, and lentils,

Then finally add water, vegetable bouillon, allspice, salt, and cayenne.

Set the Instant Pot in the manual setting for 15 minutes.

I used the quick release method and voila, dinner was ready to be served.

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How To Freeze For Later

I make a double batch of lentil soup almost every time because it freezes so well. So, once your soup cools to room temperature, transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove.

Why I Started Making It Myself Again

During the winter, we got the biggest snowfall of the year and although Mr. Landlord always helps us shovel, this one storm, he had hurt his hand and Christopher and I had to shovel by ourselves.

It really was no big deal.

Still, Mrs. Landlord showed her appreciation by making us some lentil soup. Christopher and I ate it for dinner that night and I was delighted because it was so delicious.

Now, since I had my newly acquired instant pot, I decided to try making lentil soup again and boy, am I glad I did!! While Mrs. Landlords lentil soup was delicious, mine is spectacular!

Yes, thats me patting myself on the back.

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Incredible Instant Pot Lentil Soup

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Instant Pot lentil soup tastes gourmet but uses simple pantry ingredients to build big flavors. Thick and hearty, this vegan recipe is nourishing and satisfying.

Who knew the humble lentil could be so incredibly delicious? From red lentil dal to vegan bolognese, lentils are both versatile and tasty.

Lentil soup is another tasty option…you’ll be blow away by the flavor you can generate from simple pantry ingredients!

How To Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup:

Instant Pot Lentil Soup {Quick and Easy Prep!}
  • First, put all of the ingredients into the instant pot except the parsley.
  • Second, put the lid on. Then set the valve to the sealing position and set the pressure for 10 minutes on high pressure.
  • Then, after it has finished cooking allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes with a quick release.
  • Finally, remove the lid. Add the parsley and stir. Serve and enjoy.

Salt and pepper to taste. This recipe is just that simple.

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How To Make This Recipe On The Stovetop

If you dont have an Instant Pot or a pressure cooker, check out my Mediterranean Lentil Soup recipe. Its very similar but the instructions are for cooking it on the stovetop.

  • Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
  • Add the thyme, cumin, bay leaf, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and lentils. Pressure cook for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and carefully stir in the kale and lemon juice. Discard the bay leaf.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe

Potassium 1114mg 24%
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

This soup goes from basic to sophisticated by using French lentils and seasoning with the elegant and unique French Espelette pepper. French lentils are a variety of green lentils with a nutty and peppery kick, as well as a slightly earthy flavor. They also tend to hold their shape well in a recipe like this.

The ingredient that gives this soup its distinctive flavor is Espelette pepper. This is a variety of pepper that’s cultivated in the French commune of Espelette in the French Basque country. It offers a mild heat and distinctive flavor. If you can’t find Espelette pepper in your local grocery store, it can be ordered online or found in French specialty stores. You won’t regret adding this gourmet ingredient to your spice cabinet. Alternately, smoked paprika is a delicious substitute in this recipe.

This classic French recipe is prepared quickly and easily by using the Instant Pot. There is no need to soak the lentils and the soup cooks on high pressure for only 15 minutes. It also calls for vegetable broth, so it’s vegetarian and vegan. Be sure to serve this lentil soup with warm, crusty French bread. For added elegance, it pairs well with white or red French wine such as a Sancerre or pinot noir.

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Is Cooking In The Instant Pot Healthy

Yes! Did you know pressure cooking is one of the healthiest ways to cook since theres less oil involved and nutrients arent being lost?

The pressurized pot lowers the boiling point of water, so your food is rarely cooked at a temperature above 250 degrees. Lower temps means fewer nutrients lost, as does shorter cooking times. In fact, the Instant Pot cooks 50-70% faster than traditional cooking methods.

What Is The Ratio Of Water To Lentils In An Instant Pot

THE BEST Instant Pot LENTIL Soup Recipe | NO Sauteing

Uncooked lentils are added to this soup, therefore it is crucial to ensure there is enough liquid to cook them correctly. One part lentils to three parts water are the best ratio for cooking lentils. However, because were also cooking a lot of vegetables in this soup, we add a lot more liquid before we start cooking.

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Instant Pot Curried Lentil Soup

Friends, today we have an easy, delicious, plant-based soup to share with you! Adapted from our fan-favorite Curried Potato & Lentil Soup, it keeps all the bold curry flavor but has a creamy twist and is made in the Instant Pot, making it even quicker and easier!

Rich in fiber, protein, iron , its a nourishing, plant-based meal to fuel you all winter and beyond! Plus, its made with ingredients you likely have in your pantry right now and requires just 1 pot. Lets make soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So many reasons to love this lentil soup recipe! Here are a few:

  • You probably already have all, if not most, of the ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator.
  • There’s no meat to defrost.
  • It’s dairy-free and vegan.
  • Full of lentils, this soup is low fat, high fiber, and packed with magnesium, which has been reported to reduce inflammation.

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Why Are My Lentils Still Hard After Cooking

In an ideal world, wed use fresh lentils and theyd be done when the time specified on the package. However, there are a few reasons why your lentils could not be fully cooked.

  • Your lentils may be expired. After cooking, older lentils and beans, such as those that are 1-2 years old, can still feel hard and crunchy, so make sure your lentils and bean havent been lying in the pantry for a long time.
  • Its also possible that you havent sorted your lentils thoroughly enough. Small particles of detritus, such as dirt and pebbles, are frequently found in the lentils. If they are not fully cleaned or sorted, you may wind up cooking with them and experience an unpleasant crunch.
  • Ingredients For Lentil And Spinach Soup

    Instant Pot Lentil Soup
    • Lentils: Use green or brown lentils, whichever you have. Both will remain intact under pressure and not become mushy. Make sure to rinse and drain them, however no pre soaking needed.
    • Vegetables: Carrots, celery, spinach or kale, low sodium diced or crushed tomatoes. You can play around with the amount and type of vegetable you use, depending on your preferences.
    • Aromatics: Onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves all work together to give this soup amazing flavour.
    • Broth: You can use bouillon cubes and 10 cups of water or 10 cups of low sodium vegetable broth or stock.

    I highly recommend to buy organic bouillon cubes available at many grocery stores cheaper and more convenient than carton broth. You can also do half stock/half water to cut back on cost.

    • Seasonings: Cumin, oregano, salt, pepper are all this recipe calls for in terms of herbs and spices. Simple seasoning that goes a long way.

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    Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Soup

    • healthiersteps.com
    • Summary: 8 thg 6, 2022 Plug Instant Pot in power, press Saute mode, and heat oil or liquid if oil-free. Add thyme, allspice, carrots, potatoes, cayenne pepper, salt,
    • Matching search results: Of course! However, be prepared to adjust the cooking time and recognize that the end result may not be the same as you see in this recipe. The time would be cut in half if you used French green lentils. Split red lentils will take around 8 minutes

    Why You Will Love This Easy Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup

    • Loaded with veggies and spices like turmeric and curry to make it a nutritious fighting machine
    • Perfect balance of sweet, from corn and carrots, earthy, from the turmeric and curry powder, and bright, from the splash of lemon
    • Serve it chunky, smooth, or somewhere in between, it’s perfect every way!
    • It doubles perfectly! Simply double the ingredients, but keep the cook time the same.
    • You know those recipes you can imagine yourself sitting by a fireplace in a cabin with warm slippers and a giant cozy blanket with a look of contentment all over your face? This is that recipe

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    How To Store And Reheat Lentil Soup

    Storing Store lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 5 days.Reheating reheat soup in a saucepan over medium low heat until desired temperature is reached.Reheating Soup in Instant Pot To reheat soup in an Instant Pot, pour it in, close the lid, turn the valve to Sealing, press the Pressure Cook or Manual button, and set the time to zero. Soup reheats while building pressure. Release pressure when the pot beeps.Freezing Soup can be placed in an airtight container and will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe Notes

    Instant Pot Lentil Soup: One tip makes all the difference!
    • I decided to make a Jamaican-style Lentil Soup, so I used thyme, ginger, allspice, and a little coconut milk.
    • I added just enough coconut milk so as not to have a strong coconut taste, you can add more if you love the flavor.
    • The flavor was hearty and out of this world. I added some dumplings after I took the photos but didnt include them in the recipe. In Jamaica, we love dumplings in our soup so I added some for my hubby.
    • You can check out my Gluten-Free recipe or my new favorite recipe that tastes and have the exact texture of regular white flour Jamaican dumplings is to use Pillsbury gluten-free flour.
    • Just add a little salt and water to form a dough, roll it into dumplings, and cook in the soup, might have to add extra water.
    • I used water plus 1 vegetable bouillon but you could use all vegetable broth instead and just adjust salt to taste after the soup is done.
    • If you want you can saute onion, garlic, green onion, and ginger.

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