If you’re a fan of easy yet nutritious dishes, you’re in for a treat with our Instant Pot lentil soup recipe. Lentil soup is a beloved classic known for its rich flavors, and with the help of the Instant Pot, it becomes a breeze to prepare.
If you’re a busy professional looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a home chef searching for a new favorite recipe, this Instant Pot lentil soup is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to savor the comforting aroma and delightful taste of homemade lentil soup, all in a fraction of the time it traditionally takes to cook. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
Why I Love Instant Post Lentil Soup
My fondness for Instant Pot lentil soup likely stems from its convenience and efficiency in the kitchen. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capabilities reduce cooking time significantly, allowing me to enjoy a hearty, flavorful lentil soup without the lengthy preparation.
It’s a warm, nourishing meal that aligns perfectly with my busy lifestyle and desire for a quick, homemade dish.
There are several reasons you can actually fall for this special recipe, these can be:
You might love Instant Pot lentil soup for several reasons it:
- 1. Efficiency:
The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking speeds up the cooking process, making it a time-saving option.
- 2. Flavorful:
Despite the shorter cooking time, it retains the rich flavors and textures of a traditional lentil soup.
- 3. Convenience:
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that allows for one-pot cooking, simplifying cleanup.
- 4. Tender Lentils:
It ensures that lentils are perfectly cooked, achieving the ideal balance of tenderness and consistency.
- 5. Adaptability:
You can easily customize your Instant Pot lentil soup with various ingredients and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- 6. Nutritional Value:
Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, contributing to a healthy and satisfying meal.
- 7. Consistency:
With the Instant Pot, you can consistently recreate your favorite lentil soup recipe, ensuring a reliable and delicious outcome. These factors combined may contribute to your love for Instant Pot lentil soup, making it a go-to choice for quick and delicious meals.
How to Instant Cook Lentil Soup in the Instant Pot
To cook lentil soup in the Instant Pot, follow these steps:
Ingredients:
Gather your ingredients well measured such as
- 1 cup dried lentils (red, green, or brown)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- 1. Sauté:
Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute. Then, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- 2. Add Lentils and Spices:
Add the dried lentils, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together.
- 3. Pour in Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
- 4. Pressure Cook:
Close the Instant Pot lid, making sure the vent is set to “Sealing.” Cancel the “Sauté” mode. Then, select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode and set the timer for 8-10 minutes, depending on your lentil type (8 minutes for red or green lentils, 10 minutes for brown lentils).
- 5. Natural Release:
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for about 10-15 minutes. This means you don’t manually release the pressure.
- 6. Serve:
Carefully open the Instant Pot lid once the pressure has naturally released. Give the soup a final stir and check the seasoning, adjusting with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the hot lentil soup in bowls.
- 7. Optional Garnishes:
You can garnish your lentil soup with fresh herbs like parsley, a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot lentil soup! It’s a hearty and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.
You can see how simple it is to prepare instant pot lentil soup, after you must have prepared it, you should also learn how to store and Reheat it as well, read more below.
How to Store and Reheat Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Storing and reheating Instant Pot lentil soup is easy. Here’s how to do it:
Storing:
- 1. Cool Down:
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container.
- 2. Storage Container:
Transfer the soup to an airtight container. You can use a large container for the entire batch or portion it into smaller containers for individual servings.
- 3. Refrigerate:
Seal the container tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Instant Pot lentil soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- 1. Microwave:
For individual servings, you can reheat lentil soup in the microwave. Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.
- 2. Stovetop:
To reheat a larger batch, use a saucepan on the stovetop. Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Be sure to cover the saucepan with a lid to help retain moisture. It should take about 5-10 minutes to heat thoroughly.
- 3. Instant Pot:
You can also reheat the soup in the Instant Pot. Simply use the “Sauté” mode on low heat and stir until it’s heated to your desired temperature.
- 4. Add Liquid if Needed:
If the soup thickens upon reheating, you can add a bit of broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
Remember to test the temperature of the reheated soup before consuming to avoid burns. Enjoy your Instant Pot lentil soup once it’s heated to your liking!
What Goes Well with Lentil Soup?
Lentil soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some options that go well with lentil soup:
- 1. Bread:
Crusty bread, such as baguette slices or garlic bread, is a classic choice. It’s perfect for dipping into the soup.
- 2. Salad:
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the heartiness of lentil soup. Try a simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
- 3. Yogurt:
A dollop of plain yogurt or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a touch of tanginess to the soup. It’s a common garnish for lentil soups.
- 4. Grilled Cheese:
A grilled cheese sandwich, whether made with classic cheddar or a more gourmet cheese blend, is a comforting partner for lentil soup.
- 10. Cheese:
Consider serving a cheese platter with a selection of cheeses and some fruit like grapes or apples as an elegant accompaniment.
Remember that personal preferences play a significant role, so feel free to mix and match these options to create a meal that suits your taste. Ultimately, the goal is to balance the flavors and textures to enhance your enjoyment of lentil soup.
Tools Used to Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup
To make Instant Pot lentil soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment:
- 1. Instant Pot:
The star of the show, your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, is crucial for cooking the soup quickly and efficiently.
- 2. Cutting Board and Knife:
For chopping and preparing vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
- 3. Measuring Cups and Spoons:
To accurately measure ingredients like lentils, broth, and seasonings.
- 4. Spatula or Wooden Spoon:
For sautéing and stirring the ingredients in the Instant Pot.
- 5. Ladle:
To serve the soup into bowls.
- 6. Airtight Containers:
For storing any leftover soup in the fridge.
- 7. Microwave-Safe Bowls:
If you plan to reheat individual servings in the microwave.
- 8. Saucepan (Optional):
If you prefer to reheat the soup on the stovetop.
- 9. Kitchen Timer:
To keep track of the cooking time, especially if you’re using manual settings on the Instant Pot.
- 10. Seasonings and Spices:
Have your preferred herbs, spices, and seasoning blends ready for flavoring the soup.
- 11. Garnishes (Optional):
Depending on your taste, you may want fresh herbs, yogurt, lemon wedges, or other garnishes to enhance the final presentation and flavor.
Having these tools and ingredients prepared and organized beforehand will streamline the cooking process and help you create a delicious Instant Pot lentil soup with ease.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot lentil soup recipe is a culinary gem that perfectly exemplifies the marriage of modern convenience and timeless, soul-warming flavors. This recipe’s brilliance lies in its simplicity, efficiency, and the delicious result it yields. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and the magic of the Instant Pot, anyone can create a nourishing, aromatic, and wholesome bowl of lentil soup in a fraction of the time it takes through traditional cooking methods.
If enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or a comforting remedy for chilly days, this recipe brings comfort and satisfaction to every spoonful, making it a cherished addition to any home cook’s repertoire.