How to Make Lentil Soup in the Instant Pot
Cozy Up with Instant Pot Lentil Soup: A Flavorful & Easy Meal
Looking for a hearty, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner option? Look no further than our Instant Pot Lentil Soup! This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. Packed with vegetables, protein, and flavor, it’s a meal the whole family will love. And the best part? It all comes together in under an hour, with minimal effort thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
We’ve combined brown lentils and green split peas for a wonderfully textured soup. The combination creates a creamy yet slightly chunky consistency that’s incredibly satisfying. The blend of Mediterranean and American flavors makes it versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, or enjoy on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: From prep to table in under an hour! The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, and this soup is loaded with veggies.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a delicious and comforting soup.
- Budget-Friendly: Lentils are an inexpensive ingredient, making this a great option for those on a budget.
- Versatile: Perfect for lunch or dinner, and easily customizable to your liking.
Tips for the Best Lentil Soup:
- Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: Thoroughly rinsing the lentils and split peas is crucial to remove any debris and ensure a clear soup.
- Don’t Skip the Bay Leaves: Bay leaves add a subtle but essential depth of flavor. Remember to remove them before serving!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup after cooking and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this hearty lentil soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh salad, or a bed of fluffy white rice. A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of shredded cheese adds a lovely finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use red lentils? While you can, red lentils tend to break down more and will result in a much thicker, less textured soup. Brown or green lentils are recommended.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan? Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- What if I don’t have all the vegetables? Feel free to substitute with other vegetables you have on hand, such as potatoes, zucchini, or spinach.
- Can I use pre-chopped vegetables? Yes, to save time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables.
This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a comforting, healthy, and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and let us know what you think!
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1/2 cup green split peas
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 bay leaves bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup kale chopped
- 1 medium tomato chopped
- 4 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
Instructions
- Pour the dry brown lentils and dry green split peas into the stainless steel inner pot of your Instant Pot and rinse/drain with several washes of water until the water is clear and not cloudy.
- Pour out the final wash of water so that all you have are the wet lentils and split peas in the Instant Pot.
- Add in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, kale, and tomato.
- Slice up the carrots and celery and add to the pot.
- Next add 8 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
- Finally, toss in the 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 bay leaves.
- Once everything is in the Instant Pot close the lid and put the valve into the "sealing" or closed position.
- Press the "Soup" setting button and set the time to 20 minutes on High pressure, normal setting.
- When the time is up and the Instant Pot beeps, let the pressure drop naturally. You can turn the "keep warm" setting off if you like - but it doesn't make a difference for this lentil soup recipe.
- After the pressure has dropped, unlock the lid and add in the cumin powder and black pepper. Taste the soup for salt and add more if you prefer.
- Serve as is, or over a bed of white rice. You can garnish with some shredded pepper jack cheese or a spoonful of homemade Instant Pot yogurt.
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