Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 3 carrots
sliced
- 3 pieces of celery
chopped
- 1/2 onion
chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic
chopped
- 2 c. dried green or brown lentils
rinsed and drained
- 8 c. vegetable broth
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp. ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. salt
plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
plus more for serving
- 8 oz. baby spinach
large stems removed
- Olive oil
for serving
Directions
- 1
In the base of a 6-quart instant pot, combine the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, lentils, vegetable broth, tomato sauce, 1 cup of water, cumin, coriander, turmeric, bay leaf, salt and pepper.
- 2
Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and lock it into place. Seal the steam release handle. Select HIGH PRESSURE and set the timer for 10 minutes. When the timer is up, let rest for 10 minutes, then manually release the pressure (unseal the steam release handle). Unlock and remove the lid, being careful of any remaining steam. Remove the bay leaf.
- 3
Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. Season with additional salt. Serve the soup with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of black pepper, if you like.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving a bowl of warm, comforting soup that nourishes your body and soul? This Instant Pot Lentil Soup delivers rich, earthy flavors and a hearty texture, perfect for any day of the week.
Why This Recipe Works
This Instant Pot Lentil Soup shines by leveraging the convenience of your pressure cooker to transform simple, wholesome ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. The combination of aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, simmered with protein-packed lentils and a vibrant blend of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, creates a complex flavor profile with minimal effort. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients can create something truly special.
What to Expect
You'll find yourself diving into a bowl of robust, savory soup with tender green or brown lentils and soft, flavorful vegetables. The subtle tang from the tomato sauce brightens the rich, earthy spices, while fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the soup, adding a touch of vibrant green and a whisper of bitterness that balances the dish. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of textures and deeply developed flavors, leaving you feeling warm, satisfied, and nourished.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to experiment with your lentil soup! You can swap green or brown lentils for red lentils, though the texture will be softer. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika alongside the other spices. If you don't have baby spinach, a handful of chopped kale or Swiss chard would also work wonderfully, adding a slightly firmer texture and earthy notes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end can brighten the flavors even further.
Serving & Context
This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a fantastic main course on its own, especially during cooler months, or as a substantial starter. Serve it with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an elegant finish. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.