Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
chopped
- 2 celery stalks
chopped
- 2 cups chopped carrots
about 4 medium
- 6 kale leaves
stems finely diced, leaves chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
grated
- 1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
14-ounce
- ¾ cup uncooked green lentils
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 12 fresh thyme sprigs
bundled
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- Heaping ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Red pepper flakes
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
for garnish
- Grated Parmesan
for serving, optional
- Crusty bread
for serving
Directions
- 1
Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Set the level to medium and set the time to 8 minutes. When the Instant Pot is preheated, drizzle the oil into the pot and add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for the 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- 2
Add the kale stems, garlic, tomatoes, lentils, vinegar, thyme bundle, salt, cumin and several grinds of pepper to the pot and stir. Pour in the vegetable broth and secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
- 3
Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally. This will take 20 to 30 minutes. When the float valve drops, remove the lid and stir in the kale leaves. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- 4
Remove the thyme bundle, and garnish with the parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve with crusty bread.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting bowl of homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen? This Instant Pot Lentil Soup delivers hearty flavors and satisfying warmth with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
This recipe shines thanks to the power of the Instant Pot, which efficiently transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a rich and deeply flavored soup. The combination of earthy green lentils with bright fire-roasted tomatoes, aromatic vegetables like onion, celery, carrots, and garlic, and fresh herbs creates a complex yet approachable taste. A touch of white wine vinegar adds a crucial lift, balancing the savory notes and making every spoonful sing.
Prepare to enjoy a truly satisfying soup that feels both wholesome and indulgent. You can expect tender green lentils swimming in a flavorful, savory broth, studded with perfectly cooked carrots, celery, onion, and nutrient-rich kale. The fire-roasted tomatoes lend a smoky sweetness, while fresh thyme and cumin provide a warm, inviting aroma. It's a robust, comforting dish that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
Feel free to customize this versatile Instant Pot Lentil Soup to your liking. For an extra boost of protein, consider adding shredded cooked chicken or browned sausage after cooking. You could also swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard, adding them in the last few minutes of cooking. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat, or omit them entirely for a milder soup.
Serve this delightful lentil soup piping hot with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Don't forget a side of crusty bread for dipping to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth.