Are you craving a hearty, nutritious meal that transports you straight to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline? Look no further than this incredibly easy and delicious Instant Pot Lentil Soup! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's packed with flavor, nutrients, and pure comfort. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a soul-warming meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to culinary secret.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or small stones, then drain and set aside.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil and allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become translucent.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the pot, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, oregano, and thyme. Stir all ingredients to combine thoroughly.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. Cook on high pressure for 15-18 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Lentils: Use fresh, dry lentils and always rinse them thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent potential grittiness.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sautéing vegetables before pressure cooking helps develop a deeper, richer taste profile.
- Don't Overcook: 15-18 minutes of pressure cooking is perfect for maintaining lentil texture without turning them mushy.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow 5-10 minutes of natural release to help the lentils finish cooking gently and absorb flavors.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add spinach, kale, or swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for variation.
- Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Enhance Serving: Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
