Posted in🍽️ Daily Recipes

Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe

 Instant Pot Lentil Soup is a hearty and comforting meal that comes together in a fraction of the time. Using your Instant Pot, you can cook tender lentils, aromatic vegetables, and savory herbs into a flavorful soup that’s both filling and nourishing. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner — simple, wholesome, and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for flavor)

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 cup water

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)

Cooking Time

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 20 minutes (plus pressure build and release)

  • Total time: 35 minutes

Serving

  • Serves 6

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics:

    Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

  2. Add spices and lentils:

    Stir in thyme, oregano, paprika, and the bay leaf. Add the rinsed lentils and mix well.

  3. Add liquids and tomatoes:

    Pour in the diced tomatoes, broth, and water. Stir everything together and secure the lid.

  4. Pressure cook:

    Set the Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

  5. Add greens and lemon:

    Stir in spinach or kale until wilted. Add lemon juice for freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

  6. Serve:

    Ladle into bowls and drizzle with a bit of olive oil or sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips

  • Use green or brown lentils for the best texture — red lentils will become softer and thicker.

  • Add cooked sausage or shredded chicken for extra protein.

  • The soup thickens as it sits — add more broth if you prefer it thinner.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 230

  • Protein: 13g

  • Fat: 6g

  • Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Fiber: 11g

This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying — a simple, one-pot meal that’s packed with nutrition and perfect for cozy nights in.

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