Ret Soup
Introduction
Perfect for a cozy winter day in 2025, this Instant Pot Hearty Lentil Soup combines wholesome ingredients with a burst of flavors to warm your soul. The aromatic spices and healthy vegetables make it a satisfying meal for the whole family to enjoy.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
200g green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
30ml olive oil
150g onion, chopped
100g carrots, diced
100g celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
400g canned diced tomatoes, with juices
1.2 liters vegetable broth
2g ground cumin
2g dried thyme
2g smoked paprika
2g ground coriander
100g fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
15ml lemon juice
15g fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 30ml of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 150g of chopped onion, 100g of diced carrots, and 100g of diced celery. Sauté the mixture for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add 3 minced cloves of garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Cancel the sauté mode. Add 200g of rinsed and drained lentils, 400g of canned diced tomatoes (with juices), 1.2 liters of vegetable broth, 2g of ground cumin, 2g of dried thyme, 2g of smoked paprika, and 2g of ground coriander. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Set Cooking Time
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Release Pressure
Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. After this, perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Add Spinach
Carefully remove the lid and stir in 100g of roughly chopped fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt in the hot soup.
Step 7: Season and Finalize
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and 15ml of lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the soup hot, garnished with 15g of chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Flavor Enhancements
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Vegetable Variations
You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for additional nutrition and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the lentil soup in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty lentil soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For added texture, top each serving with croutons or a dollop of Greek yogurt. A sprinkle of chili flakes can provide an extra kick for those who like their soup with some heat.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 cup) of Instant Pot Hearty Lentil Soup offers approximately:
– Calories: 200
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 10g
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Sodium: 300mg
– Vitamin A: 80% DV
– Vitamin C: 25% DV
– Iron: 20% DV
Values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Lentils: You can substitute green or brown lentils with red lentils, but cooking time may need to be reduced.
– Olive Oil: Use any cooking oil such as avocado oil or coconut oil in place of olive oil.
– Broth: Chicken broth or homemade broth can be used if you are not strictly vegetarian.
– Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out celery for a different crunchy vegetable.
– Spices: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but it will result in a slightly different flavor.
– Lemon Juice: Fresh lime juice can be a nice alternative if lemon is unavailable.
Cook techniques
1. Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method where ingredients are cooked quickly in a small amount of oil over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are sautéed to develop their flavors and soften before adding the other ingredients.
2. Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking uses high pressure to cook food faster. The Instant Pot creates steam that increases the pressure in the pot, which raises the boiling point of water and cooks the food more quickly. This recipe requires 15 minutes of manual high pressure cooking for the lentils and vegetables to become tender.
3. Natural Pressure Release
Allowing the pressure to release naturally involves letting the Instant Pot sit for a set period after cooking. This technique helps to avoid splatter and ensures that the food continues to cook slightly as the pressure decreases. In this recipe, you let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
4. Quick Pressure Release
Quick pressure release is when you manually release the steam from the Instant Pot immediately after cooking. This method is useful when you want to stop the cooking process immediately. In this recipe, any remaining pressure is quickly released after the natural release period.
5. Seasoning
Seasoning is the process of adding salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices to enhance the flavor of a dish. In this soup recipe, you season it with salt, pepper, and lemon juice just before serving, allowing the flavors to shine.
6. Garnishing
Garnishing is adding a decorative touch to a dish, often enhancing its visual appeal. In this recipe, fresh parsley is used as a garnish, adding color and a fresh flavor.
FAQ
Can I use different types of lentils?
Yes, you can use different lentils, but cooking times may vary. Green and brown lentils work best in this recipe as they hold their shape during cooking.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It may also be frozen for longer storage.
What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth or water, but using broth will add more flavor to the soup.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes, you can include cooked sausage, chicken, or bacon to enhance the soup’s flavor. Just sauté the meat before adding the vegetables.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To adjust the spiciness, you can add more or less smoked paprika, or include red pepper flakes or hot sauce according to your taste preference.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Hearty Lentil Soup is a perfect addition to your winter meal repertoire. It encapsulates comfort and nutrition in every spoonful, making it a delightful choice for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a warm and filling dish that not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the body.
Variation with Sweet Potatoes
Add cubed sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet twist that complements the lentils beautifully and adds an extra layer of texture.
Spicy Lentil Soup
Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce a delightful kick to your Hearty Lentil Soup.
Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Stir in coconut milk and a tablespoon of curry powder for a creamy and exotic flavor profile that transports your taste buds.
Lentil and Quinoa Soup
Mix in cooked quinoa to add protein and variety, creating an even heartier soup that’s perfect for a nutritious meal.
Italian-Inspired Lentil Soup
Enhance the soup with Italian herbs such as oregano and basil, along with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an Italian touch.
Vegetable-Loaded Lentil Soup
Customize your soup by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale to increase the fiber content and vibrant colors.
