I’ve been on a serious soup kick lately, and this Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup is my current obsession. There’s something magical about throwing simple ingredients like lentils, veggies, and spices into that pressure cooker and watching them transform into a rich, nourishing meal. It’s the kitchen equivalent of a warm hug – comforting, satisfying, and exactly what you need after a long day. Want to know the secret to making this soup taste like it’s been simmering all day when it only takes minutes?
Why You’ll Love this Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Who doesn’t need a warm, comforting soup that practically makes itself? This Instant Pot lentil soup is about to become your new weeknight hero. I’m talking about a hearty, nutrient-packed meal that comes together with minimal effort.
The combination of protein-rich lentils with the aromatic blend of cumin and paprika creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile. Plus, it’s vegetarian, budget-friendly, and packed with fiber. The best part? Your Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting. No hovering over the stove, no constant stirring. Just set it, walk away, and return to a steaming pot of homemade goodness.
What Ingredients are in Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup?
For this incredibly cozy and nutritious soup, you’ll need just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work magic together in the Instant Pot.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry green lentils
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon each of paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Lemon juice (for finishing)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Most of these ingredients are likely already hanging out in your pantry or fridge, and don’t worry if you need to make substitutions—red lentils can work in place of green (though they’ll cook faster), and you can adjust the spices to suit your personal taste preferences.
How to Make this Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Making this cozy lentil soup couldn’t be simpler, and your Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting! Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in 1 large diced onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 3 sliced celery stalks. Let these veggies work their magic for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally. There’s something so therapeutic about watching these aromatics become fragrant and tender, don’t you think?
Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another minute until that wonderful garlicky aroma fills your kitchen. Then it’s time for the star of the show: 1 cup of dry green lentils, along with 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon each of paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, give everything a good stir, and seal the lid. Set your Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, and while it works its magic, you can prepare some crusty bread or relax with a glass of wine.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before carefully opening the valve for any remaining pressure. The Instant Pot pressure cooker makes this hearty soup possible in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop methods. The final touch that brightens the whole soup? A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in at the end. This little acid kick balances the earthy lentils perfectly. Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and prepare for a comforting meal that warms from the inside out.
What to Serve with Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup
When you’ve got a steaming bowl of this lentil soup ready to go, what else should grace your table?
I always recommend crusty bread as the perfect companion—something substantial enough to dip into that rich, tomato-laced broth without dissolving.
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette creates a lovely contrast to the warmth of the soup.
For a heartier meal, try serving with a grilled cheese sandwich made with sharp cheddar. The creamy, melty cheese against the earthy lentils? Pure comfort food heaven. Don’t forget that final sprinkle of fresh parsley on top!
Leftovers and Storage for this Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup
One of the best parts about this lentil soup? The leftovers actually taste better! The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to. Simply store your cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Want to stretch it even further? This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing in portion-sized containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot. Perfect for those nights when cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest.
Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup Substitutions and Variations
Why stick to just one version of this delicious soup when there are so many tasty variations to try? I love how versatile this recipe is. Swap red lentils for a creamier texture, but remember they cook faster. No vegetable broth? Chicken broth works perfectly. For a protein boost, toss in some diced chicken or sausage.
Can’t find green lentils? Brown ones are great too. Add a Mediterranean twist with a dash of oregano and a sprinkle of feta on top. Sometimes I add a handful of spinach right before serving for extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
After making this lentil soup countless times in my Instant Pot, I’m convinced it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. The simplicity of throwing everything in one pot and letting the pressure cooker work its magic means I can focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself.
What makes this recipe special? It’s the perfect balance of hearty and healthy, with protein-packed lentils and loads of veggies. You really can’t go wrong with this one. And the leftovers? Even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to mingle.
Similar to the tomato-based broth in other pressure cooker vegetable soups, this lentil version develops incredible depth of flavor in minimal cooking time.