Easy Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe [Video] (2024)

Why this recipe works

What I love the most about this easy homemade lentil soup is that it's made in the instant pot which makes it quick, yet absolutely delicious. Even though it takes less than 40 minutes to make this lentil soup, the flavor is as if it's been simmering for hours on the stove. This easy instant pot soup is:

The benefits of lentils

Lentils are a great source of protein and they are packed with fiber and vitamin B. They're also very good for heart health. Vegans use lentils as a regular source of protein. They are considered legumes and cook much faster than beans.

Do I need to soak lentils before cooking them?

You don't need to soak lentils in water before cooking them. While soaking beans such as black beans, red beans or chickpeas speeds up the process of cooking, there is no need to do it for lentils because lentils cook pretty quickly. Cooking lentils in instant pot takes about 15 minutes, quick and easy!

Can I use red lentils in this recipe?

Yes, you can use red lentils instead of green lentils in this recipe. But be aware of the fact that when red lentils cook, they lose their shape and make a thick soup and the color will be light brown.

Can I freeze this quick lentil soup?

Lentil soup freezes beautifully therefore you can make a big batch and freeze half of it for a later date. Let the vegetable lentil soup cool completely and then divide it into different airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, take the frozen veggie lentil soup out of the container and place it in a pot. pour ½ cup water in the pot and turn the heat on. Let the soup cook on low and stir occasionally to break it. Cook for about 20-30 minutes until completely heated through.

Serving suggestions

This instant pot soup is the perfect meal on its own and would be perfect with a light side dish such as Mediterranean salad or cucumber tomato avocado salad. You can also simply serve this soup with some crusty bread such as sourdough.

Notes and tips

• To makevegetarian lentil soup, leave out the chicken stock and use water or vegetable stock instead.
• You can add other vegetables to this soup such as celery, spinach or bell peppers. If using spinach, add it after the soup is ready. Open the lid, add the spinach, give it a quick stir and serve.
• Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat the soup in the microwave or in a sauce pan.
• The amount of time needed to make this lentil soup is almost the same as making it on stove top. However, instant pot lentil soup doesn't require any stirring and is pretty much hands-off.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe

Shadi HasanzadeNemati

Ready in 25 minutes, this easy instant pot lentil soup recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. It's packed with tasty ingredients and is pretty much a hands-off lentil soup recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 22gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 826mgPotassium: 1025mgFiber: 23gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 5719IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 7mg

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