Instant Pot Lentil Soup

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Delicious Instant Pot Lentil Soup is bursting with Mexican flavors! Easy to make with affordable pantry staples, this super easy and filling healthy soup recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners and easy lunches.

Suitable for vegan and gluten free diets. Weight Watchers points included.

 

 

a bowl of instant pot lentils soup

Welcome to what I like to call life-changing Instant Pot Lentil Soup, also known as the very best lentil soup. A hearty soup that’s like a hug in a bowl. Yeap, this cozy lentil soup is flavorful, satisfying and full of vegetables. Plus, it’s so easy to make with affordable everyday pantry ingredients.

It is life-changing in that it will totally change the way you look at lentils, and you’ll want to make this vegetarian lentil soup 354676 times this year alone. Even meat-eaters and those who typically turn their noses up at vegan lentil soup will find themselves unable to resist the smell and taste of this absolutely delicious Instant Pot lentil soup recipe.

This nourishing pressure cooker lentil soup is bursting with Mexican flavors and is super versatile. Perfect for quick weeknight suppers, a comforting lunch on the move, cold fall and winter feasts, great for meal prep, and freezer friendly too.

And if you love Instant Pot soup recipes, then you’ve got to try this Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup, Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup, and Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup.

close up of a bowl of instant pot lentil soup

Why Make This Recipe

  • Quick and easy – you’ll need minimal prep and only 7 minutes of cooking time.
  • Affordable – this lentil soup recipe is made with basic pantry staples like lentils, canned tomatoes, spices, onion, and peppers.
  • Perfect for meal prep – enjoy the leftovers all week, or save as a freezer Instant Pot meal.
  • Diet-friendly – a healthy recipe that is vegan, gluten-free, and has no added sugar.

Ingredients Notes

  • French green lentils – picked through, rinsed, and drained.
  • Olive oil – or another light, neutral oil. Can also use a calorie-controlled cooking spray instead.
  • Vegetables – onion, peppers, and carrots for color and flavor.
  • Tomatoes – canned diced tomatoes, choose plain or fire roasted tomatoes.
  • Seasonings – garlic purée, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili flakes, and a bay leaf (optional).
  • Broth – use vegetable broth, or if not vegan, swap for chicken broth.
  • Fresh cilantro – adds a lovely brightness.

Ready to learn how to make Instant Pot lentil soup in under 40 minutes? Gather up those ingredients and let me show you…

How To Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add the oil to the Instant Pot insert and when it’s hot, add the onions, peppers, carrots, and bay leaf (if using – not so much a Mexican flavor, but I like what it adds to the dish), then sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is soft.
  2. Switch off the heat and stir in the garlic, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Add the lentils, vegetable stock, tomatoes, and salt, and stir to combine.
  4. Place the lid on, turn the valve to the sealing position, and then set to manual pressure / high pressure for 7 minutes.
  5. When done, allow for a natural pressure release (NPR) of 15 minutes, then use a quick pressure release for the rest of the steam.
  6. Open the lid, stir in the cilantro, adjust seasonings if needed, and then serve and enjoy.
image collage showing some of the steps for making instant pot lentil soup

Expert Tips

  • Be sure to sort through your dried lentils to check for small debris that may be present. Remove these and then rinse the lentils thoroughly before using.
  • if you like a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth to the Instant Pot before cooking.
  • To make this a creamy lentil soup, pureé with an immersion blender.
  • You can also stir in coconut milk just before serving.
  • The cooking time listed does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, or for the pressure to release.

Delicious Variations

  • Vary the Spices – You can also make this lentil soup using Creole Seasoning or Italian seasoning, or curry powder.
  • Vary the Vegetables – Add other chopped-up vegetables to your taste, like potatoes and celery.
  • Add Greens – Greens like baby spinach, kale, mustard greens, and swiss chard are awesome. 
  • Add Extra Heat – Feel free to add chipotle or red pepper flakes to your taste.
  • Make with Meat – If you wish, you can add meat to this lentil soup instant pot. Ground beef is an easy addition; just add it to Step 1 and brown it alongside the veggies, then add it to the Instant Pot in Step 3.
  • Add Zing – A squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice will add the perfect zing.
  • Top it Off – Top your lentil soup with some sliced avocado, sour cream (if not vegan), Parmesan cheese or shredded cheese (or a cheese substitute if vegan), and tortilla chips.
top down view of the finished lentil soup in instant pot

Prep Ahead and Storage

  • Prep Ahead – You can dice the vegetables and keep in the fridge until needed, and sort through your lentils ahead of time.
  • Storage – keep cooled leftover soup in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze – Let the Instant Pot lentil soup cool down, then transfer it into these very handy Ziploc freezer bags. Squeeze out all the extra air and seal the bags. Label the bags and then lay them flat in the freezer. Store the soup in the freezer up to 3 months.
  • Thaw – Remove the soup from the freezer the night before needed and let it thaw in the fridge. For a faster thaw, you can add the bagged soup into a microwave and thaw according to the microwave’s instructions.
  • Reheat – reheat the defrosted green lentil soup using in a microwave, on the stovetop, or in your electric pressure cooker.

FAQs

Do You Have To Soak Lentils Before Cooking Them?

You do not need to soak lentils before cooking them in the Instant Pot. And, you also do not need to soak them even if cooking them on the stovetop. Unlike beans, you can add them to your cooking liquid without soaking them.

What Are The Different Types of Lentils?

Did you know that lentils come in a rainbow of colors with different textures and flavors? Some of the different types of lentils include:

• Green lentils (with a lovely peppery flavor).
• Brown lentils (an earthy-flavored lentil variety).
• Red lentils (a slightly nutty and sweet lentil).
• Black lentils (a strong earthy flavor).

Within each lentil color, there are many varieties. Puy lentils, for example, are a green lentil variety harvested from the French region of Le Puy.

Which Lentils Are Best For Soup?

It depends on whether you want a chunky style soup or a smoother soup. Green lentils and brown lentils tend to hold their shape better, but red lentils cook quicker and will break down more during cooking.

Are Lentils Nutritious?

Lentils are a fabulous source of vegetarian or vegan protein. 1 cup (198g) of cooked lentils contains 17g of protein, a moderate amount of carbs, and almost no fat. Combined with their hearty flavor, their nutrition profile makes lentils an ideal meat alternative.

a bowl filled with instant pot lentil soup with a spoon inside

More Instant Pot Recipes You May Like

landscape of pressure cooker lentil soup

Serving Suggestions

Weight Watchers Points

If you replace the olive oil with a calorie-controlled cooking spray, there are 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving (yeap, zero).

Instant pot quick start guide image

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a bowl of instant pot lentils soup
Print Recipe
5 from 11 votes

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

This Instant Pot Lentil Soup is full of zesty Mexican flavors
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Western
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Servings: 6
Calories: 270kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 onions peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 peppers deseeded and finely chopped
  • 3 carrots peeled and finely cubed
  • 1 bay leaf optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic purée
  • 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • red chili flakes to taste
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) green lentils picked through and rinsed
  • 3 cups (750ml) vegetable stock
  • 28 ounces (800g) 2 cans of finely chopped tomatoes
  • salt to taste
  • 6 tablespoons cilantro finely chopped

Instructions

  • Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the oil to the Instant Pot insert and sauté the onions, peppers, carrots and bay leaf (if using) for 4-5 minutes, until the onion is soft.
  • Switch off the heat and stir in the garlic, paprika, cumin and chili flakes.
  • Mix in the lentils, vegetable stock, tomatoes, and salt.
  • Place the lid on, turn the valve to sealing position, and set to manual pressure / high pressure for 7 minutes.
  • When done, allow for a natural pressure release of 15 minutes before releasing the rest of the steam using a quick release.
  • Open the lid, stir in the cilantro, adjust seasonings if needed, and serve.
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Notes

  • Be sure to sort through your lentils to check for small debris that may be present. Remove these and then rinse the lentils thoroughly before using.
  • if you like a thinner soup, add more broth to the Instant Pot before cooking.
  • To make this a creamy lentil soup, stir in coconut milk just before serving.
  • The cooking time listed does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, or for the pressure to release.
  • Storage – keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • If you replace the oil with a calorie-controlled cooking spray, there are 0 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in a serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 724mg | Potassium: 990mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 7055IU | Vitamin C: 70.4mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 5.9mg

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5 from 11 votes

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Recipe Rating




17 Comments

  1. This sounds great but what kind of peppers do you mean?
    I don’t understand that part because there are SO many varieties.

    1. Made this a couple times now and I’ve just assumed it means bell peppers, I’ve personally used green ones.

    2. I haven’t made this yet, but planning it tomorrow. What kind of peppers do I use?

      Thank you

  2. 5 stars
    This looks like the perfect one-pot meatless weeknight meal!! I can’t wait to make it for my family this week!

  3. 5 stars
    My husband is going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to give this a try! Looks so delicious and full of flavor!

  4. 5 stars
    Looks like a great soup to add to my soup recipes for this winter. Love that it’s in the Instant Pot for convenience!

  5. Is the coriander the main spice of the dish? I want to make the dish but don’t love coriander.

  6. 5 stars
    This looks like a perfect comfort food. I have to admit I didn’t know there are so many types of lentils available. Will check next time I am in the supermarket.

  7. 5 stars
    I LOVE lentils they are a staple in my pantry! I workout alot so I heavily rely on them for plant based protein! I cannot wait to add this recipe to my meal prep routine

  8. 5 stars
    Your recipe sounds so similar to the way that I prepare my lentils too — but I don’t use an Instant Pot. I know they’re all the rage, but I have a crock pot and slow cooker already – do you think it’s worth it?

    1. I used to think it wasn’t worth it, but lately I’ve realized that I prefer the taste of food that’s been cooked in the IP over a slow cooker. I also find that beans and chickpeas taste sweeter, somehow.