Instant Pot Lentil Soup: Ready in a Flash!
My go-to Instant Pot lentil soup recipe! This healthy and easy one-pot meal is ready in a flash. Get ready for a bowl of comforting, flavourful goodness. Give it a go! ... Quick & Easy Meals
Recipe Introduction: Your New Favourite Weeknight Winner
Fancy a bowl of something warm and comforting? you know, like a hug in a mug? then get ready for my instant pot lentil soup ! honestly, this recipe is a game-changer.
It's dead easy and packed with flavour. it's seriously my new go-to when i'm after something healthy and filling, proper quick.
The smoky paprika and earthy lentils are just banging together.
What's the Big Deal About This Soup, Then?
Lentil soup is a classic dish with roots in various cultures. it has been a staple for ages. think of those peasant stews from the olden days! this version uses the pressure cooker lentils advantage.
That means it is ready in under an hour. this easy lentil soup recipe serves about 6 people. it is perfect for family dinners or batch cooking for the week.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Instant Pot Soup Recipes Healthy Easy
First up, lentils are nutritional powerhouses, loaded with fibre and protein. that means this soup is good for you! this recipe is also vegan instant pot lentil soup friendly.
It's perfect for a cold evening, a quick lunch, or anytime you're craving something healthy instant pot recipes that tastes amazing.
What makes this one-pot lentil soup special? it's the sheer simplicity and the depth of flavour.
Let's Talk Ingredients for this Best Instant Pot Soup Recipes
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. you'll need a few simple ingredients for this quick lentil soup instant pot .
Nothing too fancy, i promise! we're talking basics like lentils, veggies, and some essential spices. let's dive into what you will need.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup: Ready in a Flash! Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for Spot-On Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this beaut instant pot lentil soup . it's all pretty straightforward, no fancy-pants ingredients here.
Promise! honestly, most of the time i just chuck whatever veg i have in the fridge, but this recipe is a good starting point.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Soup
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Any decent olive oil will do.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup / 150g). Adds a proper savoury base.
- Carrots: 2 medium , chopped (about 1 cup / 120g). For a bit of sweetness.
- Celery stalks: 2 , chopped (about 1 cup / 100g). That classic soup flavour.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons / 6g). Don't be shy, garlic is life.
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon (2g). Essential for that earthy flavour.
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (1g). Adds a lovely smoky depth to this best instant pot soup recipes .
- Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (0.5g). Only if you like a bit of a kick.
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters). Go for low-sodium if you're watching the salt.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can , undrained (411g). Tinned toms are just fine.
- Brown or green lentils: 1 cup , rinsed (200g). Rinsing is important!
Seasoning Notes: That Extra Oomph
For this easy lentil soup recipe , thyme and smoked paprika are your best mates. they just work so well together.
If you haven't got smoked paprika, normal paprika will do, but it won't have that same smoky depth. a squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up.
It's like a little ray of sunshine in a bowl. also this can be a vegan instant pot lentil soup , but you can add a dollop of yogurt to the soup for serving, but you don't want to add them directly in the pot!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
- Instant Pot (6-quart or larger). Obviously. This quick lentil soup instant pot is all about convenience.
- Cutting board. For chopping.
- Chef's knife. A good knife makes all the difference.
- Measuring spoons and cups. Get the measurements right!
Honestly, that's all you really need . if you don't have an instant pot soup recipes healthy easy , a big pot on the hob will also work.
You can also use your lentil pressure cooker recipes and transform your recipe into a one-pot lentil soup . my favourite thing is that this soup is just so damn easy to make.
Seriously, even i can't mess it up, and that's saying something! plus, it's packed with good stuff, making it one of the healthy instant pot recipes .
What's not to love?
Instant Pot Lentil Soup: Ready in a Flash!
Fancy a bowl of proper comforting soup? this instant pot lentil soup is your answer. it is inspired by nan's rustic lentil stews.
But this is ready faster. i'm talking about healthy instant pot recipes you can whip up in under an hour.
It is really easy lentil soup recipe you'll love. honestly, it's almost too good to be true.
Prep Like a Pro for Soup Success
First, get all your veggies chopped. an essential mise en place is needed. we're talking about 1 medium yellow onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, and 2 cloves of garlic.
It takes about 15 minutes. this is the most time-consuming bit. got everything ready? ace!
Step-by-Step to Souper Perfection
Here's how you nail this quick lentil soup instant pot .
- Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté." Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bung in the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave). Cook for 1 minute, until it smells amazing.
- Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot. Get all those tasty browned bits. Add the 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Stir in 1 cup of rinsed brown or green lentils.
- Lock the lid. Set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on "Manual" for 15 minutes .
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes . Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Boom!
- Ladle into bowls. Top with fresh parsley and a dollop of yogurt. A perfect one-pot lentil soup !
Expert Tips for an Amazing Soup
Don't skip the sautéing . honestly, this builds all the flavour. and that smoked paprika? it's the secret ingredient. it adds a proper smoky depth.
Try it in your best instant pot soup recipes . and if you want to make this soup a vegan instant pot lentil soup , just make sure you use vegetable broth.
If you fancy making it ahead, this soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. this is a lentil pressure cooker recipes for busy people.
Just gently reheat it on the hob before serving. easy peasy! this instant pot soup recipes healthy easy for any family.
Recipe Notes for Brilliant Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Right, so you're about to embark on making some proper tasty instant pot lentil soup . but before you do, let's have a quick chinwag about a few things that'll make your life easier.
These are just little tips i've picked up along the way, innit. think of it as friendly advice from your pal down the road.
Serving Up a Treat
Fancy making your instant pot lentil soup look a bit posh? i get you. ladle it into bowls. a swirl of yogurt and a scattering of fresh parsley work wonders.
A wedge of crusty bread for dipping? always a winner! don't forget to pair it with a beverage like a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storing Your Liquid Gold
Leftovers? you lucky devil! once cooled, shove your vegan instant pot lentil soup in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll happily keep for up to 3 days. freezing is also an option. allow it to cool completely. transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
It can last up to 3 months. to reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight. then, warm it through on the hob or in the microwave.
Job done!
Tweaking the Magic
Want to make this easy lentil soup recipe your own? go for it! for a vegetarian instant pot lentil soup , ensure that you use vegetable broth, not chicken.
Need it gluten-free? just double-check your broth doesn't have any sneaky gluteny bits. seasonal swaps? in the autumn, chuck in some chopped butternut squash for a bit of sweetness.
In the summer, add a handful of fresh spinach right at the end.
Grub's Up! Nutrition Basics
Each serving of this beauty clocks in at roughly 220 calories. packed with 15g of protein and a whopping 10g of fibre.
It is a genuinely good-for-you meal. lentils are brilliant for keeping you full and are a great source of iron.
The soup is also low in fat. it is high in vitamins and minerals. remember, this healthy instant pot recipes are good for your body.
Honestly, this instant pot soup recipes healthy easy is a doddle. don't stress about getting it perfect the first time.
Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the process. you'll be whipping up the best instant pot soup recipes in no time, guv'nor! enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftover Instant Pot lentil soup? Will it keep?
Absolutely! Instant Pot lentil soup is even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just make sure to leave some room in the container as liquids expand when frozen. It's like batch-cooking Sunday dinner, only easier!
Can I make this Instant Pot lentil soup vegetarian or vegan?
You bet! The recipe is already vegetarian, but to make it fully vegan, just ensure you're using vegetable broth. Chicken broth can easily be substituted by vegetable. Double-check your garnishes too – skip the yogurt or sour cream and opt for a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs instead. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
My Instant Pot lentil soup came out too thick! How do I fix it?
No worries, that's an easy fix! Simply add a little more vegetable broth (or even water) to the soup after it's finished cooking. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Think of it like rescuing a gravy that's gone a bit too gloopy – a little liquid goes a long way!
Can I use different types of lentils in this Instant Pot lentil soup recipe?
Definitely! Brown or green lentils work best as they hold their shape well. Red lentils will cook faster (reduce the cooking time to 10 minutes) but tend to break down more, resulting in a creamier, less textured soup. Avoid using delicate varieties like French green lentils (Puy lentils) as they may become mushy.
I don't have smoked paprika. Is it essential for the Instant Pot lentil soup?
While smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky depth, it's not absolutely essential. You can substitute it with regular paprika, although the flavour will be slightly different. For a bit of extra smokiness, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke after cooking, but use it sparingly – a little goes a long way, like adding hot sauce!
Can I add meat to this Instant Pot lentil soup?
Yes, absolutely! If you're not vegetarian, adding some cooked bacon or sausage can elevate the flavour. You can also add diced ham or chorizo during the sauté stage. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some meats can be quite salty. It's like adding a bit of Sunday roast to your weekday soup!
