Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup Recipe

Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup Recipe

This healthy lentil soup is packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from fresh vegetables and lentils. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this vegetable lentil soup is comforting, easy to make, and full of flavor. Using your Instant Pot makes it faster while locking in nutrients.

 Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 carrots, sliced (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium white potato, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasonings
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp lemon pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 5 cups vegetable broth, divided
• Additional salt, pepper, or broth to taste

 Instructions & Tips:

1. Prep vegetables: Dice, slice, and mince all vegetables, setting them aside for easy cooking.
2. Sauté for flavor: Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, sauté onion and carrots in 1 cup of vegetable broth for about 3 minutes. Tip: Watch carefully so the broth doesn’t evaporate completely, preventing vegetables from sticking and ensuring your Instant Pot can reach pressure properly.
3. Combine ingredients: Add lentils, diced tomatoes, celery, potato, garlic, Italian seasonings, thyme, lemon pepper, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and the remaining 4 cups of broth. Stir well.
4. Pressure cook: Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
5. Natural release: Once cooking time is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Then carefully release any remaining pressure using a long-handled spoon or similar tool.
6. Adjust consistency: Depending on your preference, add more vegetable broth for a thinner soup. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

 Cooking Tips & Benefits:

• Boost flavor naturally: Sautéing vegetables first enhances the sweetness and depth of your soup.
• Nutrient-rich: Lentils provide plant-based protein and fiber, supporting digestion and satiety.
• Versatile meal: Serve with whole-grain bread or over quinoa for a filling, balanced dinner.
• Make-ahead friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully.

Enjoy !