Speedy & Soulful: Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Need a quick & easy lentil soup instant pot recipe? This hearty soup, inspired by Mediterranean flavors, is ready in under an hour. It's the Best Lentil Soup for a chilly evening. Get the recipe now!

Alright, let’s talk lentil soup instant pot ! have you ever craved something proper comforting, like a warm hug in a bowl? honestly, this recipe is it.

It's a hearty, flavourful, nutritious soup that even my nan would approve of.

Speedy & Soulful: Instant Pot Lentil Soup

This Best Lentil Soup is proper easy. It’s inspired by rustic, Mediterranean flavours. Think earthy Lentils Soup , aromatic veg, and warming spices. It is a total crowd-pleaser!

This dish has roots in peasant cooking. the lentil soup recipe is a staple across many cultures. it's an easy meal.

This version? dead simple. prep is 15 mins, and cook time is only 30! it makes about 6 servings.

The Magic of Lentils

Lentils are little powerhouses. they are packed with protein and fibre. great for keeping you full and energized! perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

This food soup is proper special. the instant pot makes it dead easy and quick.

Get Your Bits and Bobs Ready

Right then, gather your ingredients. you'll need olive oil (1 tbsp), a chopped onion, carrots (2 diced), celery (2 diced), garlic (2 cloves minced), and dried herbs like thyme (1 tsp) and oregano (1/2 tsp).

Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp) and red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, if you're feeling brave) will add a little zing. don’t forget your lentils (1 cup), vegetable broth (6 cups), tinned tomatoes (1 tin), a bay leaf, and red wine vinegar (1 tbsp).

Salt and pepper, obviously!

Okay, lets dive into the yummy stuff! We are making the best lentil soup recipe ever. I always hated complicated recipes. This lentil soup instant pot recipe is super easy.

Ingredients & Equipment

Honestly, half the battle is just gathering everything! I sometimes forget the bay leaf. Don't be like me. This nutritious soup is worth a double check!

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy.

For the lentils , look for ones that are uniform in size. nobody likes a dodgy looking lentil. you want them to cook evenly.

They shouldn't be cracked or broken. this makes for a healthy lentil soup . i love knowing what is going in my lentils soup .

Seasoning Notes

Thyme and oregano? Essential. Think Mediterranean sunshine. Smoked paprika adds depth, giving the food soup a richness. Red pepper flakes bring the heat. Feeling brave? Add a bit more!

No red wine vinegar? Use balsamic. Honestly, it works a treat! A squeeze of lemon works great too. It brightens things up.

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger). I love my Instant Pot!
• Cutting board. Duh.
• Chef's knife. Sharp is safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is your friend.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring and general wizardry.

Don't have an instant pot? a crock pot healthy version works just fine! just extend the cooking time. can't be bothered to chop everything? use pre-chopped veggies! no judgement here.

Honestly soup recipes crockpot is such a game changer.

Making lentil soup recipes should be fun! Now go and get it all prepped. This will be the best lentil soup ever!

Alright, let's chat about Lentil Soup .

Honestly, is there anything more comforting? And forget slaving over a stove all day. We are doing this in the Instant Pot .

Prep Like a Pro

Essential mise en place . translation? get your stuff ready! chop 1 medium yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks .

Mince 2 cloves of garlic . it really helps.

Time-Saving Organization Tips . I like to chop the veg the night before. Store them in the fridge. This makes weeknights a breeze.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup: Let's Get Cooking

1. Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté". Add 1 tablespoon olive oil . Then add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5- 7 minutes . They should be nice and soft.
2. Spice It Up : Stir in the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika , and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, until you can smell all those lovely spices.
3. Soup's On! Add 1 cup brown or green lentils (rinsed, please!), 6 cups vegetable broth , the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes , and 1 bay leaf . Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pressure Time : Lock the lid. Cook on "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 15 minutes .
5. Release the Pressure : Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes . Then, carefully quick-release what’s left. Steam is hot!
6. Finishing Touch : Take out that bay leaf. Stir in 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar . Taste and adjust seasoning.

Best Lentil Soup : Pro Tips & Tricks

Want the Best Lentil Soup Recipe ever? Here are a few secrets.

Expert Techniques: Don't skip the red wine vinegar. It adds a needed zing! This really wakes up all the flavours.

Common Mistakes : Overcooking lentils. They turn to mush! Keep an eye after pressure is released. If you love Soup Recipes Crockpot then try it for a really long time on low.

Make-Ahead Options: This nutritious soup is great the next day. Flavors meld together beautifully. This is definitely Food Soup .

Honestly, this lentils soup is amazing. it’s a healthy, hearty, and quick meal. forget take-out, this is the best lentil soup .

Try it, you'll love it. there are tons of lentil soup recipes out there, but i think this one’s a winner.

Alright, let's talk about this amazing lentil soup instant pot recipe. i'm telling you, it's a game changer. honestly, sometimes you just need a warm bowl of soup recipes crockpot .

This lentil soup recipe hits the spot every single time!

Recipe Notes: Getting the Most Out of Your Soup!

Serving like a Pro

Presentation matters, right? okay, so maybe not always , but it does elevate things. for plating, think rustic. ladle your best lentil soup into a bowl.

Then drizzle with a bit of olive oil. a sprinkle of fresh parsley is nice.

Got some crusty bread? Perfect for dipping! A simple side salad complements this nutritious soup so well. A lemon wedge adds a zing.

Storage Secrets

Leftover lentils soup ? Lucky you! In the fridge, it'll keep for 3-4 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.

Freezing is also an option. i’ve frozen it for up to 2 months, no probs. thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. make sure it's piping hot!

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Need a gluten-free version? Easy peasy. Just ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Want to make it vegan? Use vegetable broth. Double-check your garnishes are plant-based too.

If you want to change the flavor, try other herbs and spices, like cumin or turmeric. Also, different types of vinegar will bring new exciting aromas.

Swap out the carrots for parsnips in winter.

Nutrition Nuggets

This food soup is packed with goodness! Each serving is roughly 280 calories. You get about 18g of protein. There's also about 15g of fiber, which is amazing for digestion.

It’s a crock pot healthy meal option. Lentils are brilliant for you. They’re full of iron and protein.

So there you have it. The best lentil soup recipes and so simple to make. Why not try my version of best lentil soup recipe ?

This Instant Pot Lentil Soup? It's a winner. Quick, easy, and so comforting. Give it a whirl, and let me know what you think! I'm already planning my next batch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of lentils for this Instant Pot lentil soup recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for brown or green lentils, you can experiment with red lentils. Just be aware that red lentils cook much faster and will result in a creamier, thicker soup. If using red lentils in this Instant Pot lentil soup, reduce the cooking time to about 8 minutes to avoid mushiness. Think of it like swapping your builder's tea for a fancy Earl Grey – a delightful change!

How do I store leftover Instant Pot lentil soup?

Storing your lentil soup is easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Once the soup has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Just make sure to leave some headspace in the container as the soup will expand when frozen. To reheat, simply microwave or simmer on the stovetop until heated through, perhaps with a cheeky bit of extra seasoning to liven it up again!

My Instant Pot lentil soup turned out too thick. What can I do?

No worries, this is a common fix! Simply add more vegetable broth (or water, in a pinch) to thin it out. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. For an extra flavour boost, you could even stir in a splash of cream or a squeeze of lemon juice. Remember, it’s all about finding the Goldilocks zone – not too thick, not too thin, just right!

Is this Instant Pot lentil soup recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

You bet it is! Lentil soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It's packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Fiber keeps you feeling full and aids digestion, while protein is crucial for muscle building and repair. This Instant Pot lentil soup is a great way to enjoy a comforting and wholesome meal, kind of like a comforting hug from your nan... but in soup form!

I don't have an Instant Pot. Can I make this lentil soup on the stovetop?

Absolutely! Whilst this recipe is optimised for the Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process, you can definitely adapt it for the stovetop, Just think of it like driving a classic Mini instead of a modern motor - it takes a little longer, but it's still a great experience. Sauté the vegetables as directed, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the lentils are tender. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth if needed.

Can I add meat to this Instant Pot lentil soup recipe?

You certainly can! While the recipe is vegetarian-friendly, feel free to add cooked sausage, bacon, or ham for extra flavour and protein. Brown the meat in the Instant Pot before adding the vegetables, or stir in pre-cooked meat during the last few minutes of cooking. It's your kitchen, your rules – just like a proper Sunday roast, feel free to customise it to your liking.

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