Speedy & Scrumptious Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup

Master cooking lentil soup in a flash! This Instant Pot recipe is hearty, healthy, and ready in under an hour. The ultimate cozy weeknight meal. Get the recipe!

Alright, let's dive headfirst into the wonderful world of cooking lentil soup in a ...pressure cooker! i know, i know, another soup recipe, but trust me on this one.

Have you ever craved a hearty, comforting meal but just couldn't be bothered to spend hours in the kitchen? well, this is your answer.

Lentil Soup: Quick, Healthy, and Delicious!

This isn't just any soup; it's a culinary hug in a bowl. this lentil soup recipe healthy is hearty and packed with goodness.

It is simple enough for a weeknight meal. imagine warm spices mingling with tender lentils. top with a squeeze of lemon for a flavour explosion!

A Taste of Tradition, Made Easy

Lentil soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. this mediterranean orzo soup, enjoyed from europe to the middle east, is a symbol of warmth and nourishment.

Our version takes a shortcut with the help of our beloved pressure cooker. we're talking about 45 minutes from start to finish.

It makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.

Why You'll Love This Soup

Honestly, where do i even begin? first off, this is a nutritional powerhouse. lentils are packed with protein and fiber.

Try some instapot soup recipes to experience the vegan instant pot way, full of iron, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy meal.

This recipe fits the bill when the weather's a bit grim or you need a boost.

What Makes This Lentil Soup Special?

This recipe has a unique twist that elevates it beyond the ordinary. this is instapot meals perfection! the combination of cumin and coriander adds a touch of warmth and depth, while the lemon juice brightens everything up.

You know how sometimes you try instant pot soups , but they come out bland. this is never gonna be one of them, this will become a new favourite instant pot soup recipes on your repertoire.

Now, let's get into what you'll need to whip up this magical elixir...

Okay, mate! let's get cracking on this speedy & scrumptious pressure cooker lentil soup recipe. honestly, cooking lentil soup in a pressure cooker is a game-changer.

Forget hours of simmering! this is about speed and taste, innit? this is perfect for your instapot meals .

Ingredients & Equipment

Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs. this recipe is super flexible. don't have exactly what i've listed? don't sweat it! a bit of improvisation is what lentil soup recipe healthy is all about.

It's like jazz for your taste buds!

Main Ingredients: Let's get real!

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Quality matters, yeah? A good extra virgin olive oil makes a difference. If it smells nice and fruity, you're golden.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. We're talking about a yellow onion here, the workhorse of the kitchen. About 1 cup, roughly.
• Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced. Again, about 1 cup. Look for firm carrots, not those bendy, sad-looking ones.
• Celery: 2 stalks , diced. Yep, another cup. Celery adds that subtle savoury thing you need.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always! That's what makes the Instant Pot Soups delicious.
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon . Smells herbal and a bit lemony.
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon . That classic Italian aroma, lovely!
• Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). If you like a bit of a kick, chuck 'em in!
• Lentils: 1 cup (200g) brown or green, rinsed. Don't skip the rinsing! Nobody wants gritty soup. This can be a Vegan Instant Pot dish!
• Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters). Good broth = good soup. End of story.
• Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounce/400g), undrained. Plump, juicy tomatoes are your friends here.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Cumin and coriander are essential. they bring warmth and earthiness. think mediterranean orzo flavors but in a soup. a bay leaf is a must for depth.

Don't forget the salt and pepper. lemon juice at the end brightens everything up. honestly, a squeeze of lemon changes the whole game.

You can prepare lentils instant pot very easily.

For a little extra something, consider smoked paprika. It adds a lovely smoky flavour. Alternatively, you can add some chilli flakes for heat.

Equipment Needed: Keep it simple

• Pressure cooker (Instant Pot, etc.). Obvs. If you haven't got one, get one! The recipe will not work properly. These are the best for quick Instapot Soup Recipes .
• Chopping board.
• Knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. Basically, something to stir with.

Don't have a fancy pressure cooker? A large pot works. It just takes longer. No biggie. You can also cook an Orzo Skillet with these tools!

Here's a draft section, focusing on the core cooking method, staying true to the brief's specifications.

Cooking Lentil Soup in a…Flash!

Honestly, who has time to stand over a simmering pot all day? not me! that’s why i’m obsessed with cooking lentil soup in a pressure cooker.

It's a total game-changer, turning a slow-cooker classic into a weeknight win. and let's be real, anything that simplifies dinner is a friend of mine.

The beauty of this is that we can explore some instapot soup recipes .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

Before we dive in, let’s get organised. essential mise en place is key. chop 1 medium yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks into roughly 1 cup.

Mince 2 garlic cloves . measure out your spices: 1 tsp dried thyme , 1 tsp dried oregano , 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but i highly recommend!).

Rinse 1 cup (200g) of brown or green lentils . this recipe is a great option when you're searching for a lentil soup recipe healthy .

For a time-saving tip, chop your veggies while the pressure cooker is heating up. this cuts down on the total cooking time.

Safety first: always use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board.

The Fast Track to Flavor: Step-by-Step

Here's the magic, five steps to a banging soup.

1. Sauté. Turn your pressure cooker to "Sauté". Add 2 tbsp olive oil , then the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, or until you can smell them. Oh my gosh, so good.
2. Load Up! Add the rinsed lentils, 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth , 1 (14.5 oz / 400g) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 bay leaf , 1 tsp ground cumin , and 1/2 tsp ground coriander . Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pressure Time! Close and lock the lid. Make sure the valve is sealed. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes . This can be an option for your Vegan Instant Pot meals.
4. Patience is a Virtue: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes . Then, carefully release any remaining pressure. Seriously, follow your cooker's instructions.
5. Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaf! Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice . Taste, and add salt and pepper if needed. Boom! Serve and think of trying other Instant Pot Soups .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Want to take your lentil soup to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've picked up.

First, avoid overcooking the lentils. Mushy soup is a total buzzkill. Lentils Instant Pot cooking can be tricky, so stick to the recommended time.

Second, taste and adjust seasonings after cooking. salt can inhibit lentil softening. i like to add a pinch of cayenne for a kick.

Some people may call this mediterranean orzo , but i don't know.

Make-ahead option: this soup tastes even better the next day. store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

It also freezes great. hello, future you! you may even want to try orzo skillet for another alternative meal.

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this speedy & scrumptious pressure cooker lentil soup recipe. we're talking serving ideas, storage secrets, and all those little tweaks that make a recipe truly yours .

Honestly, it's the stuff that elevates a dish from "meh" to "oh my gosh, this is amazing!"

Recipe Notes

Plating and Presentation

Forget fancy michelin-star stuff, yeah? just ladle that lentil soup into a bowl. boom! however, a little zhuzhing never hurt anyone.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley? yes, please. a dollop of greek yogurt? even better. if you're feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of olive oil adds a touch of elegance.

Serve it with a hunk of crusty bread – perfect for soaking up all that goodness. thinking of having a few mates over? throw in some grilled cheese dippers for a real treat.

Presentation is all about making it look as delicious as it tastes. you know?

Storage Secrets

Right, listen up! fridge-wise, this lentil soup recipe healthy will keep happily for 3-4 days. just pop it in an airtight container once it's cooled down.

For freezing, it's even better. it can last up to 2-3 months, no problem. just remember to let it cool completely before freezing.

When reheating, you can microwave it, but i reckon gently simmering it on the hob is the best shout. makes it taste like it's freshly made.

This trick works particularly well for instapot soup recipes .

Mix It Up

Now, let's talk variations, yeah? want a vegan instant pot version? easy peasy. just make sure you're using vegetable broth.

If you want to be creative, you could even experiment with adding different veggies, like sweet potatoes or butternut squash, depending on what's seasonal.

Or you could swap out the soup for some mediterranean orzo . honestly the world is your oyster. it's all about making it your own.

Fancy a bit of spice? a pinch of cayenne pepper does wonders. it just bumps up that instant pot soup recipes with that extra bit of flavor.

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, so let's keep this simple. each serving of this instant pot soups is packed with fibre and protein from those gorgeous lentils instant pot .

They're super filling and keep you going for ages. it's relatively low in fat, and those veggies are bursting with vitamins.

It's a great, healthy meal that's actually satisfying. plus, cooking lentil soup in a pressure cooker means it retains more nutrients than boiling it for hours.

It's a win-win! you're basically getting a big hug in a bowl. honestly, it is.

This recipe is a belter. Don't be afraid to mess about with it, and make it yours! You’ll be amazed at what delicious creations you are able to come up with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red lentils when cooking lentil soup in a pressure cooker?

Absolutely! Red lentils work beautifully in this recipe. However, keep in mind that red lentils cook much faster than brown or green lentils, so reduce the cooking time by a few minutes (around 15 minutes on high pressure should do the trick) to avoid a mushy soup. Think of it like making a quick cuppa – you don't want to over-steep it!

I don't have a pressure cooker. Can I still make this lentil soup?

No worries, you can definitely still make this soup on the stovetop! Simply sauté the vegetables as directed, then add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the lentils are tender. You might need to add more broth if it reduces too much, just like making a proper Sunday roast gravy!

How long does lentil soup last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

Lentil soup is great for meal prepping! It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and leave a little space in the container as liquids expand when frozen. Think of it as your own personal "ready meal" stockpile!

What if my lentil soup is too thick or too thin?

Soup consistency is all about personal preference, isn't it? If your soup is too thick after cooking, simply stir in some extra broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, you can either simmer it uncovered for a bit to reduce the liquid, or blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and stir it back in to thicken it up, a clever trick straight from a Michelin starred chef!

Is this pressure cooker lentil soup recipe healthy?

You bet your bottom dollar it is! Lentils are packed with protein and fibre, making this a seriously satisfying and nutritious meal. Plus, it's loaded with vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Just be mindful of the sodium content in your broth, and choose a low-sodium option if you're watching your salt intake. A "win-win" for your taste buds and your health!

I'm vegetarian/vegan. Are there any adjustments I need to make when cooking lentil soup in a pressure cooker?

This recipe is easily adaptable! Ensure you're using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Also, double-check the labels of any added ingredients, like diced tomatoes, to ensure they don't contain any animal products. Feel free to load up on extra veggies for added flavour and nutrients. You'll be cooking up a storm in no time!

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