So, if you are looking for a nutritious, flavorful, and time-saving meal, look no further and learn how to make The Best Instant Pot Lentil Soup.
Just imagine a steaming bowl of rich and aromatic lentil soup, ready in a fraction of the time it takes to cook traditional stovetop versions.
This lentil soup is like a warm hug for your taste buds. It’s a crowd-pleaser, whether serving it to family, friends, or just treating yourself to a comforting meal.
And when it comes to cleanup, the Instant Pot’s a lifesaver, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and less time spent scrubbing dishes.
This Instant Pot Lentil Soup recipe is perfect for meal prep with just 5 minutes of prep. Whip up a big batch, and you’ve got delicious lunches or dinners ready to go throughout the week.
Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade comfort food that’s easy on the wallet and ideal for busy days.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS INSTANT POT LENTIL SOUP
- Simple ingredients. This delicious lentil soup recipe is made with basic pantry staples that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Easy to make. Making this lentil soup in Instant Pot is a breeze. You will need just a few minutes of prep, then let the Instant Pot do the rest, making it an easy addition to your weekly menu.
- Satisfying flavors. Bursting with delicious and comforting flavors, this vegetarian lentil soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days.
- Crowd-pleaser recipe. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or guests, this soup is a guaranteed hit.
- Budget-friendly. This easy instant pot lentil soup is a great choice since all the ingredients are cheap and easy to find.
- Minimal cleanup. Cooking in the Instant Pot means fewer dishes to wash. So, after enjoying this delicious meal, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you with more time to relax.
- Perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch of this soup in advance and store it for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
- Saves time. With the Instant Pot pressure-cooking magic, you can enjoy the rich flavors of a slow-cooked soup in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for those busy days.
WHAT IS INSTANT POT LENTIL SOUP?
Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup made in an Instant Pot, which is a popular electric pressure cooker. This soup features lentils as the main ingredient, along with various vegetables, seasonings, and sometimes even meat or other protein sources.
This easy lentil soup recipe is a quick and easy-to-make dish perfect for a busy weeknight since the instant pot’s pressure-cooking function helps rapidly cook the lentils and ingredients, resulting in a savory and comforting soup in a fraction of the time.
Nutritious, budget-friendly, and versatile, this lentil soup recipe can be customized to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
INSTANT POT LENTIL SOUP INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Here is the list of the ingredients that we need to make this comforting vegetarian lentil soup recipe:
- Olive Oil – Used for sauteing the aromatics(onion and garlic) to create a flavorful base.
- Onion – gives the soup a sweet and mild flavor once sauteed. Feel free to use your favorite type of onion.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a delicious depth of flavor. Ensure to mince it finely to release its aromatic properties, and be careful not to burn it during sauteing.
- Celery – This is a classic ingredient in many soup recipes that contributes a subtle earthy flavor and a pleasant crunch.
- Carrots – Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. They also provide a slightly sweet flavor that perfectly pairs with the lentils and other ingredients.
- Lentils – I like to use both Red and Green lentils since red ones cook quickly and tend to break down, which helps thicken the soup, creating a creamy texture. On the other side, green lentils hold their shape better when cooked, adding a slightly firmer texture and nutty flavor to the soup.
- Coconut Milk – This dairy-free milk adds richness, creaminess, and a hint of sweetness to the soup, balancing the savory flavors. Feel free to replace it with heavy cream for the same delicious result.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes – Bring a delicious burst of tangy and tomatoey goodness to the soup.
- Vegetable Broth – This is the soup’s liquid base, providing a depth of flavor. You can also use homemade or store-bought broth.
- Turmeric – Turmeric adds a vibrant golden color and imparts a mild, earthy flavor to the soup, making this anti-inflammatory lentil soup truly amazing.
- Ginger Powder – Adds a warmth and a hint of spiciness to the soup.
- Oregano – Contributes a Mediterranean herbal note.
- Thyme – You can either use fresh or dried thyme.
- Salt and Pepper – to taste. It is used to enhance all the flavors in this lentil soup recipe.
- Spinach – adds a nutritious boost and a mild, leafy taste to the soup. You can replace it with fresh kale.
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT LENTIL SOUP
Now that we know all the ingredients that we need to create this easy lentil soup recipe, let’s discover the simplicity of creating Instant Pot Lentil Soup by following these easy steps:
Saute Vegetables
Drizzle the olive oil into the Instant Pot and set it to saute mode, then add the diced onion and saute for 5 minutes until soft and tender.
Then add the minced garlic and saute for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the diced carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, turmeric, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to saute for about 2 more minutes.
Preparing The Lentil Soup
Add the red and green lentils to the pot, stirring well to coat everything with the sauteed vegetables and seasonings.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Mix until well combined.
Making Lentil Soup In Instant Pot
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to seal. Adjust the pressure cook setting to high, and set the timer for 10 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is completed, allow to release pressure for 10 minutes, then switch the valve to venting.
Stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts from the residual heat of the soup.
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Enjoy it hot with fresh crusty bread.
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Prepare the ingredients in advance: Before starting cooking, chop and measure all the ingredients to make everything easy.
- Saute for flavor: I don’t recommend skipping this step since sauteeing the aromatics and vegetables adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Mix lentils well: Ensure that the lentils are evenly mixed with the sauteed vegetables and seasonings to help distribute flavor throughout the soup.
- Properly seal the Instant Pot: Before starting the pressure cooking process, ensure the Instant Pot lid is tightly sealed to allow the pressure to build up correctly.
- Adjust consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add more vegetable broth to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
TOPPING IDEAS
Although this lentil soup is extremely delicious, you can elevate your Instant Pot lentil soup to the next level and create a personalized dining experience by adding one or more of the following toppings:
- Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives on your soup.
- Grated Cheese – Add your favorite grated cheese, such as parmesan, cheddar, or feta, for a creamy, savory touch.
- Croutons – homemade or store-bought croutons can satisfy your soup’s crunch.
- Crumbled Bacon – Crumble some crispy bacon on top of your lentil soup for a savory, smoky flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for milder heat.
- Green Onions – Garnish this lentil soup with finely chopped green onion for a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Here are some serving suggestions to make your Instant Pot Lentil Soup a satisfying and well-rounded meal:
- Bread: Enjoy this lentil soup with a side of crusty bread, such as a baguette, sourdough, or whole-grain loaf.
- Side Salad: Pair this soup with a green salad made from greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Make a classic combination by enjoying this lentil soup with a hot, gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The crispy, cheesy goodness complements the soup’s heartiness.
- Yogurt Or Sour Cream: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top of the soup for creaminess and a touch of tanginess.
STORING IDEAS
Before storing the leftovers from this Instant Pot lentil soup, we have to pay attention to a few things to make everything perfect:
- Cool to Room Temperature: Let the soup cool down to room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
- Choose the Right Container: This type of soup needs to be stored in a large, lidded container or divided into smaller individual portions in separate containers.
Now you can choose how you want to store this lentil soup:
- Fridge: Transfer the leftovers to the airtight container and store them in the fridge for about 5 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to prevent any odors from escaping.
- Freezer: If you have a large batch, you can transfer the soup into airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
REHEATING
If the leftovers are frozen, remove them from the freezer and place in the fridge overnight to thaw.
Once thawed, you can reheat by using one of the following methods:
- In the microwave for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
- On the stovetop, ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
TROUBLESHOOTING
You may encounter any issues or challenges while making this Instant Pot lentil soup, but don’t worry since here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve common problems:
- Burn Notice or Sticking to the Pot: Make sure to scrape any bits of food stuck to the bottom to prevent a burn notice.
- Undercooked Lentils: If your lentils are not fully cooked after the pressure cooking cycle, put the lid back on and pressure cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- My Soup Is Too Thick: If your soup is thicker than desired, simply add more vegetable broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
- My Soup Is Too Thin: If the lentil soup is thinner than desired, you can simmer it on the saute setting for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it, or you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts water and cornstarch and adding it to the soup while stirring until it thickens.
More Easy Soup Recipes
Easy Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 stalks celery diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 can (13.5oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 cups spinach chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Drizzle the olive oil into the Instant Pot and set it to SAUTÉ mode. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions. Stir and sauté until the onions are soft and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until it's fragrant.
- Add Remaining Vegetables and Spices: Add the diced carrots and celery, thyme, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to sauté for about 2 more minutes.
- Add Lentils: Add the red and green lentils to the pot, stirring well to coat with the sautéed vegetables and seasonings.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir well.
- Pressure Cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to seal. Select the pressure cook setting, adjust it to high, and set the timer for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take approximately 10-15 minutes to come to pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is completed, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure for 10 minutes naturally. Afterward, use a spoon or cloth to carefully switch the valve to venting, performing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Blend and Finish: This step is optional, but if you prefer a creamier consistency, remove 1 cup of the soup, allow it to cool, and then blend it. Return the blended portion to the pot.
- Stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts from the residual heat of the soup.
- Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve it hot, preferably with fresh bread. Optionally, garnish with parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.
Nutrition Information
The nutritional information provided on this website is intended to be a helpful reference and convenience for our users. It is offered as a courtesy and is based on data primarily sourced from the USDA Food Composition Database.
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How many oz is “a can” of coconut milk? They come in multiple sizes.
Hello, Kate! You’re right; coconut milk can come in multiple sizes. For the recipe I posted, I used a 13.5 oz can of coconut milk. Hope this helps!