Instant Pot Lentil Soup – Little Sunny Kitchen Recipe | Easy & Hearty

This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that comes together quickly, making it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights.

Why This Instant Pot Lentil Soup Works

The Instant Pot is a culinary marvel for transforming humble lentils into a creamy, flavorful soup with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Once you have all these components gathered, you’re ready to embark on the simple, rewarding journey of making this delicious soup.

How to Make It

1. Sauté Aromatics: Turn on your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting (usually on high). Add the olive oil.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the pot.
3. Deglaze (Optional but Recommended): If any bits are stuck to the bottom of the pot from sautéing, pour in about ¼ cup of vegetable broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained brown or green lentils, the vegetable broth, the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the bay leaf to the Instant Pot.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure.
6. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.
7. Stir and Season: Carefully open the lid. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir the soup well.
8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Following these steps will result in a delicious and satisfying lentil soup that feels like it simmered for hours, all thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot.

Nutrition at a Glance

• High in Fiber: Supports digestive health and helps you feel full longer.
• Rich in Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth, especially important for vegetarian and vegan diets.
• Packed with Vitamins: Carrots provide Vitamin A, while other vegetables contribute Vitamin C and B vitamins.
• Source of Minerals: Offers iron, potassium, and magnesium.
• Low in Fat: Especially when using lean broth and minimal added oil.
• Heart-Healthy: The ingredients are naturally low in cholesterol and saturated fat.

How to Serve It

• With Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of rustic sourdough is ideal for dipping into the hearty broth.
• With a Side Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the soup alongside a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
• As a Starter: A smaller portion of this soup makes an excellent appetizer for a dinner party or a special meal.
• With a Dollop of Yogurt or Sour Cream: A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can add a creamy tang, enhancing the soup’s texture and flavor profile.
• With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: This is a classic comfort food pairing. The ooey-gooey cheese of a grilled sandwich is a delightful contrast to the earthy lentils.
• With a Sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.
• With a Squeeze of Fresh Lemon: As mentioned in the instructions, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.

Consider these options to make your bowl of lentil soup an even more satisfying and enjoyable culinary moment.

Common Mistakes

• Not Rinsing the Lentils: Lentils can sometimes have dust or debris from processing.
• Overfilling the Instant Pot: The Instant Pot has a maximum fill line.
• Forgetting to Degrease: If you skip the deglazing step after sautéing, you significantly increase the risk of the Instant Pot displaying a “Burn” notice, especially with the tomatoes and broth.
• Not Adjusting Pressure Cook Time: Different types of lentils and even different brands can vary slightly in their cooking times.
• Ignoring the Natural Release: Rushing the pressure release can lead to a watery soup and lentils that aren’t as tender.
• Under-Seasoning: Lentils are quite good at absorbing salt.
• Using Old Spices: Dried herbs and spices lose their potency over time.

By keeping these common issues in mind, you’re well on your way to mastering this comforting lentil soup.

Don’t miss this delicious recipe: The Best Pasta with Lentils. Easy Vegan Curry Recipe for Weeknights

Storage and Reheating

• Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the soup to cool down to room temperature.
• Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. Glass or high-quality plastic containers work well.
• Refrigerator Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the soup. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: The best way to reheat lentil soup is on the stovetop. Pour the desired amount into a saucepan.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Reheating from Frozen: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Proper storage and reheating will ensure your lentil soup remains a delicious and convenient meal option long after it’s first made.

Leftover Ideas

• Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Topping: The thick, savory lentil mixture can serve as an excellent base for a vegetarian shepherd’s pie.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Blend some of the soup to create a thicker base, then mix it with cooked grains like rice or quinoa, diced vegetables, and herbs.
• Savory Lentil Patties or Burgers: For a more substantial change, drain off some of the excess liquid from the soup, mash the lentils slightly, and mix with breadcrumbs, finely chopped vegetables (like onions and bell peppers), and your favorite herbs and spices.
• Lentil Soup Quesadillas: Spread a thin layer of the soup onto one half of a tortilla, then top with cheese (and other fillings like corn or sauteed onions), fold, and grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Lentil Pasta Sauce: Purée the soup until smooth and use it as a hearty, healthy pasta sauce.
• Lentil Soup Grilled Cheese Dip: Heat the soup until warm and serve it in a small bowl alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, creating a deconstructed grilled cheese and tomato soup experience.
• Lentil and Vegetable Stacks: Layer cooled lentil soup with cooked vegetables, grains, or even slices of grilled halloumi cheese for an interesting and healthy stack.

With these ideas, you can transform your leftover lentil soup into a completely different, yet equally delightful, meal.

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