Oh, friends, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, warming bowl of soup, especially when it comes together with such ease and fills your home with comforting aromas. This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is truly a gem, a bowl of pure goodness that tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in a flash, making it perfect for those bustling weeknights when you still crave something wholesome and delicious. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, given a little love and the magic of a pressure cooker, can transform into a truly satisfying meal.
I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of simmering pots, and how she’d always say, “Sara, good food doesn’t have to be complicated, just made with heart.” Her wisdom echoes in every recipe I share, reminding me that the best meals are often the simplest, bringing warmth and connection to the table. This Instant Pot Lentil Soup definitely embodies that spirit, carrying a comforting tradition into our modern kitchens.
This recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare, thanks to the marvel of the Instant Pot, but it’s also wonderfully nourishing, packed with wholesome goodness to fuel your family. It’s perfect for meal prepping a healthy lunch or serving as a cozy dinner that brings everyone together. My top tip for soup success? Always taste and adjust your seasonings right at the end – it truly makes all the difference!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this Instant Pot Lentil Soup relies on a few humble heroes, each playing its part in building layers of deep flavor. The earthy brown or green lentils provide a wonderful texture and heartiness, while aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion form the foundational trinity. I always make sure to have quality vegetable broth on hand, as it’s the liquid gold that truly brings all these delightful elements together. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, ready for your kitchen adventure.
How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Whipping up this Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a breeze, even for the busiest of cooks. First, you’ll sauté your aromatic vegetables and garlic in a bit of olive oil directly in the Instant Pot. Then, you’ll add the dried lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and a wonderful blend of spices – bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and cumin – that truly make this Instant Pot Lentil Soup sing. Simply set it, let it do its magic, and once it’s cooked, stir in fresh spinach, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot and add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Press “Cancel” to turn off the Sauté function.
- Pour in about 1/2 cup of vegetable broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and ensure no bits are stuck (this prevents a “Burn” error).
- Add the rinsed lentils, remaining vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), bay leaves, dried thyme, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Do NOT stir the ingredients at this point.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the sealing vent is set to “Sealing”. Select “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) and set the time to 15 minutes on High Pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the sealing vent to “Venting” for a Quick Release (QR) of any remaining pressure.
- Once the float valve drops, open the lid. Remove and discard the bay leaves. If using, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted (1-2 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Making a delicious Instant Pot Lentil Soup is all about building flavors and understanding your ingredients. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that I always keep in mind when I’m making this soup, ensuring it turns out perfectly every time for my family and friends.
Sautéing is Key: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery. This crucial step, often called building a mirepoix, softens the vegetables and allows their natural sweetness to develop, creating a rich base for your
Instant Pot Lentil Soup. It adds a depth of flavor that simply boiling can’t achieve.Lentil Choice Matters: While both brown and green lentils work wonderfully in this recipe, I find green lentils hold their shape a bit better, giving the soup a lovely texture. Brown lentils tend to break down more, resulting in a creamier consistency. Choose what you prefer!
My Secret Trick: I always add a splash of lemon juice and a generous handful of fresh parsley and spinach after the soup has finished cooking and the pressure has released. The acidity from the lemon brightens all the flavors, and the fresh herbs and spinach retain their vibrant color and nutrients, elevating the entire dish.
Don’t Forget to Taste: Before serving, always taste your
Instant Pot Lentil Soupand adjust the seasonings. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a dash more smoked paprika can transform a good soup into an unforgettable one. It’s truly the most important step!
Fun Variations for Instant Pot Lentil Soup
One of the things I adore about home cooking is the freedom to get a little creative! This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a wonderful canvas for adding your own personal touch, making it uniquely yours.
Spice It Up
For those who love a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices when you’re sautéing the vegetables. My friend, who adores a bit of heat, always asks me to swirl in a teaspoon of harissa paste right before serving her bowl of Instant Pot Lentil Soup – it adds a fantastic smoky, spicy depth!
Creamy Dream
If you prefer a creamier soup, you could stir in a quarter cup of coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative at the very end, just before serving. It adds a lovely richness and silky texture without overpowering the natural flavors of the lentils and vegetables.
Hearty Additions
Feel free to toss in some diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash along with the carrots and celery at the beginning. They’ll cook beautifully in the Instant Pot and add extra sweetness and nutrients, making your Instant Pot Lentil Soup even more substantial and comforting.
What to Serve With Instant Pot Lentil Soup
A comforting bowl of Instant Pot Lentil Soup is already a meal in itself, but a few simple additions can elevate it into a truly memorable dining experience. I love thinking about how to complete a meal, just like my grandmother used to fuss over all the little accompaniments to make our dinners extra special.
I often serve this Instant Pot Lentil Soup with a crusty piece of sourdough bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a wonderful fresh contrast. My mom always liked to sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of dairy-free sour cream on top of her bowl, adding an extra layer of creaminess. For a quick serving idea, a swirl of your favorite pesto or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds both flavor and texture in a flash!
How to Store Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Making a big batch of this Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a smart move because it tastes even better the next day! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its comforting warmth for days to come, making meal prep a breeze.
Refrigeration
Once the Instant Pot Lentil Soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to store it in individual portions for quick, easy lunches throughout the week. My personal tip for soups like this is to always label and date your containers – it helps keep your fridge organized and ensures everything is enjoyed at its freshest!
Freezing for Later
This lentil soup freezes exceptionally well! Allow the Instant Pot Lentil Soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutritional Benefits
This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a true powerhouse of nutrition, blending delicious flavor with wholesome ingredients. Packed with fiber from the lentils and a bounty of fresh vegetables, it’s a wonderfully satisfying and nourishing meal that keeps you feeling full and energized. It’s a treat that’s both comforting and nourishing, perfectly aligning with my belief that healthy eating can be truly delightful.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without an Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely! You can simmer this Instant Pot Lentil Soup on the stovetop in a large pot. After sautéing the aromatics, add all ingredients (except spinach, parsley, and lemon) and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, there’s no need to soak the lentils for this Instant Pot Lentil Soup recipe! Brown and green lentils cook beautifully in the Instant Pot without any pre-soaking, which is one of the many reasons this recipe is so wonderfully convenient for busy cooks.
Can I add meat to this lentil soup?
Certainly! If you’d like to add meat to your Instant Pot Lentil Soup, consider browning some diced chicken or sausage with the vegetables before adding the liquids. It will add an extra layer of savory flavor and heartiness to the dish.
Is this recipe vegetarian and vegan-friendly?
Yes, this Instant Pot Lentil Soup recipe is naturally both vegetarian and vegan-friendly as written! It uses vegetable broth and all plant-based ingredients, making it a delicious and accessible option for everyone at your table.
Conclusion
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you create something delicious in your own kitchen, especially when it’s as comforting and satisfying as this Instant Pot Lentil Soup. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the process, and share a warm, nourishing meal with those you love. I hope this Instant Pot Lentil Soup brings as much joy and comfort to your home as it does to mine, creating sweet (or in this case, savory!) memories that linger long after the last spoonful. Happy cooking, my dear friends!