Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this Instant Pot Sausage Lentil Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! Imagine a cozy bowl of perfectly cooked lentils and rice, infused with the savory goodness of sausage, all ready in just 40 minutes. Whether you're battling the winter chill or simply craving a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Dive into this easy-to-follow guide and discover how to whip up a satisfying soup that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of sausage, 1 cup of lentils, 1 cup of rice, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Once it is hot, add the sausage. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through. If using casings, remove them before cooking.
- After the sausage is cooked, add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the pot. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
- Next, add the garlic powder to the mixture and stir well to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the lentils and rice to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, making sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot to prevent burning during pressure cooking.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content in the broth and sausage, and adjust accordingly.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Check the consistency; if you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a bit more vegetable broth or water.
- Serve the soup hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty Instant Pot Sausage Lentil Rice Soup!
Tips
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: For a flavor boost, opt for spicy or smoked sausage. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a healthier option.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and measure out your ingredients ahead of time. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker!
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the lentils and rice to absorb more liquid. For a thinner soup, simply add more vegetable broth or water.
- Season to Taste: Remember to taste your soup before serving! The saltiness of the sausage and broth can vary, so adjust accordingly to achieve your desired flavor.
- Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Elevate your soup by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl!
- Leftovers Galore: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
