Instant Pot Hearty Lentil Soup Ready in a Flash
Instant Pot Hearty Lentil Soup Ready In A Flash
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 10g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bowl of something warm and hearty? Ever wondered if you could get a delicious, healthy instant pot lunch recipe ready in under an hour? Well, buckle up, buttercup! This instant pot lentil soup recipe is about to become your new best mate.
It's packed with flavor and couldn't be easier to make. Plus, it's perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want something comforting and satisfying, innit?
Brief Overview
This soup is inspired by the classic, rustic soups that have been warming hearts (and bellies) for centuries. Think of it as your grandma's lentil soup, but turbo charged by the magic of the pressure cooker lentils .
It's a breeze to make, even if you're a complete novice, and will take you around 50 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe makes about 6-8 servings perfect for a family meal or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Main Benefits
Honestly, the best thing about this soup (aside from the taste, obvs) is that it's so good for you. Lentils are packed with protein and fibre, so this soup will keep you feeling full and energized for ages.
It's a fantastic instant pot soup recipes healthy easy option for a quick lunch or a light dinner. What makes this recipe special? It's totally customizable.
You can make it vegetarian, add different veggies, or even spice it up with a pinch of chilli flakes. It's versatile and delicious!
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. You know, the ingredients! This one-pot lentil soup is a winner!
Alright, let's talk ingredients and gear for the best instant pot lentil soup ever! Honestly, this part is super simple. You likely have most of this stuff already.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
This is where the magic starts for any of the Best Instant Pot Soup Recipes . No worries if it looks like a lot. Trust me, it comes together so easily!
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). This is for sauteing. Any good quality olive oil works.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup or 150g). Yellow onion is the base.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped (about 1 cup or 120g). Get the orange ones. They're sweeter.
- Celery stalks: 2 , chopped (about 1 cup or 100g). Adds a nice earthy note.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons or 6g). Fresh is always best!
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Adds warmth.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). A bit of Italian flair!
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). This is what gives it a lovely smokiness. Don't skip it.
- Vegetable broth: 8 cups (1.9 L). (Chicken broth is okay too, for extra flavour!). The good quality broth is always best.
- Brown or green lentils: 1 cup , rinsed (200g). Rinsing them is key! This prevents the soup from being gummy.
- Diced ham: 1 cup (about 150g) (optional). Use a good smoked ham.
- Bay leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving!
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Seasoning is everything .
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Trust me. It brightens the whole thing.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish. A bit of freshness goes a long way.
Seasoning Notes
Essential spice combinations matter when making the quick lentil soup recipe . A pinch of this, a dash of that, and boom!
- Thyme, oregano, and paprika create a warm, comforting flavor. Play with these!
- Smoked paprika really enhances the smoky, hearty feel.
- No thyme or oregano? Italian seasoning works great!
Equipment Needed
Alright, for gear, you don't need much! Just the essentials for this easy pressure cooker lentil soup .
- Instant Pot (6-quart or larger). I used a 6-quart. Any should work fine.
- Cutting board & knife. Pretty self explanatory, eh?
- Measuring cups and spoons. For accurate measurements.
- Wooden spoon or spatula. To stir things up!
If you don't have an Instant Pot, a regular pressure cooker lentils will do. Honestly, the Instant Pot is just easier.
But a pot on the stove works too. The cooking time will be longer!
So there you have it. The list of what you will need for the Instant Pot Recipes Lentils . Get your hands on these, and you're ready to cook up a fantastic batch of Instant Pot Soup Recipes Healthy Easy one-pot lentil soup that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Here's your curated list for the most nutritious Healthy instant pot lunch recipes
Cooking Method: The Instant Pot Magic for Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Fancy a bowl of hearty, wholesome soup without spending hours in the kitchen? Well, grab your Instant Pot, love, because we're diving headfirst into the world of instant pot lentil soup .
Honestly, it's a game changer. My nan used to slave away on the stove for hours making lentil soup, but with the Instant Pot, we can get that same comforting flavour in a fraction of the time! This easy pressure cooker lentil soup recipe will be your new go-to.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
Before we even think about switching on the Instant Pot, let's get organized. Chop 1 medium yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks .
Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Measure out 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Rinse 1 cup of brown or green lentils. Cube 1 cup of ham (optional). Have 8 cups of vegetable broth ready and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice measured out.
Chopping all the veggies beforehand is a lifesaver. It’s like having your own sous chef, even if that sous chef is just you being organized! I always make sure to have everything prepped and ready before I start cooking.
It makes the whole process so much smoother.
Step-by-Step: From Ingredients to One-Pot Lentil Soup
Alright, let's get cracking!
- Hit the Sauté button on your Instant Pot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. This builds the flavour foundation.
- Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more; until it smells divine.
- Pour in 8 cups of vegetable broth. Add the rinsed lentils, ham (if using), and 1 bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- Secure the lid. Make sure the valve is on "Sealing." Select Manual or Pressure Cook and set the timer for 20 minutes at high pressure.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes , then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Safety first!
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips: Best Instant Pot Soup Recipes
- Don't skip the sauté: Sautéing the veggies before pressure cooking really deepens the flavour of the soup.
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth after cooking. For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
- Salt to taste: Wait until the end to add salt. This gives you better control over the seasoning.
There you have it a steaming bowl of healthy instant pot lunch recipes ready in under an hour! Perfect for a quick lentil soup recipe on a busy weeknight.
Enjoy! It's definitely one of my Best Instant Pot Soup Recipes .
Recipe Notes: Your Instant Pot Lentil Soup Success Guide
Right, so you're ready to tackle this instant pot lentil soup , yeah? Ace! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few bits and bobs.
These are the little things that will turn a good lentil pressure cooker recipes into a fantastic one. Honestly, it’s all about the little tweaks.
Serving it Up Proper
Fancy a bit of flair? When plating up your easy pressure cooker lentil soup , a swirl of yogurt or cream on top looks smashing.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color, too. Think rustic, yeah?
As for sides, a crusty bread for dipping is a must. Or a light salad if you’re feeling virtuous. It is one of those healthy instant pot lunch recipes .
A proper one-pot lentil soup that is both quick and filling.
Storing Your Liquid Gold
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This brown lentil recipes instant pot gets even better the next day. Stick it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing it is a doddle. Just let it cool completely before portioning it out into freezer safe containers. It'll happily sit there for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the hob or in the microwave.
Job done.
Tweak it 'Til You Make It
Want to mix things up? Go for it. If you're after a quick lentil soup recipe that is vegan, just skip the ham. Sorted.
Fancy a bit of spice? A pinch of chilli flakes adds a lovely kick. You can also swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth for a richer flavour.
You know? Just play around and see what you like!
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
This instant pot soup recipes healthy easy is packed with goodness. We are talking about roughly 250 calories per serving.
Plus loads of protein and fibre. Making it a winner for a healthy lunch. And the best best instant pot soup recipes are simple and nutritious, right?
So there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make your pressure cooker lentils shine. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, you legend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Instant Pot lentil soup vegetarian or vegan? I'm not a fan of the ham!
Absolutely! To make this Instant Pot lentil soup vegetarian, simply omit the diced ham. To make it vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth (if that's what you're using) and skip the ham.
For a smoky flavor reminiscent of the ham, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke at the end of cooking. It's smashing, even without the meat!
My Instant Pot lentil soup turned out too thick! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
No worries, this happens! Lentils are jolly good at absorbing liquid. It's likely that your lentils absorbed more broth than anticipated. Simply stir in additional vegetable broth after cooking, until you reach your desired consistency.
Next time, you might want to start with a bit more broth to begin with trial and error, eh?
How long does Instant Pot lentil soup last in the fridge, and can I freeze it for later?
Your Instant Pot lentil soup will keep for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It also freezes brilliantly! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
I don't have an Instant Pot. Can I still make this lentil soup on the stovetop?
You certainly can! While the Instant Pot speeds things up, this lentil soup is delicious when made on the stovetop. Sauté the vegetables in a large pot as directed, then add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the lentils are tender.
Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth if needed. It might take a bit longer, but it's still a proper winner!
What kind of lentils are best to use for instant pot lentil soup?
Brown or green lentils are your best bet for this recipe! They hold their shape nicely during pressure cooking and have a lovely earthy flavor. Red lentils tend to break down more, creating a creamier, almost pureed texture which can be delicious but might not be what you're aiming for in this particular soup.
Remember to rinse them before adding them to the pot!
Any ideas for jazzing up my Instant Pot lentil soup? I'm looking for something a bit different!
Right you are! For a bit of pizzazz, try adding a squeeze of sriracha or a swirl of coconut milk at the end for a creamy kick. Some chopped chorizo or smoked sausage also adds a lovely depth of flavor. You could also throw in some different veggies like chopped kale or spinach for a boost of nutrients.
Get creative it's your soup, after all!
