How To Make Easy Lentil Soup in Your Instant Pot

Lentil Soup made in the Instant Pot is quick, simple, and delicious. No mess, no fuss.
I'm finally learning to use my Instant Pot and yes, I'm enjoying it.
The more I'm using it, the more I'm finding to make in it, and the more I'm loving it because it's so easy!

                                              Instant Pot

There is a short learning curve, but after using it just once I had the hang of it and I've been experimenting with different recipes. 

Fast and Easy

I cooked this protein rich lentil soup in just 16 minutes. Of course it took the Instant Pot time to warm up and cool down, but that didn't affect my work time. Once in the pot, I was able to walk away and forget about it- and I did.

So Easy to Make

The Instant Pot is really easy to use and if you don't mind having another big clunky appliance on your counter or to store somewhere, it is a real time saver. In addition, it doesn't heat up the kitchen and doesn't splatter when cooking. It also frees up your stove top space.

Want more? It also functions as a slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker etc. Depending on the model you buy, it can have anywhere from 6 to 10 other functions.  Instant Pot

This lentil soup is soothing and nourishing and now quick to make. I love lentil soup because it is a meal in itself. I often grab a bowl for lunch or use it as a starter for a light dinner with a salad, some gluten free bread, and maybe a little humus. 

I used the smaller French Green Lentils for this recipe ( which they sell organic in a local supermarket), carrots, onion, 2 small red potatoes, 2 bay leaves, cracked pepper, salt which I added after the soup cooked, and fresh spinach leaves. I use organic produce which tastes amazing and is not exposed to harmful pesticides.

Packed With Nutrients

3 Tablespoons of these dry lentils have 11 grams of fiber, no fat, 9 grams of protein,  only 1 gm sugar, 15% of your daily iron,  and 120 calories with the added carrots, onion, and fresh wilted spinach ( or any green) - you are getting a lot of healthy nutrients for your buck! Oh! and lentils are so economical - I paid $2.29 for an organic bag of lentils that provides 12 servings.

Author: Judee Algazi @ Gluten Free A-Z Blog
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Instant Pot Cook Setting: 16 minutes
Serves: 8 bowls

Ingredients: 
1 Tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 15 ounce can of organic diced tomatoes ( or 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes)
2 cups of French green lentils or brown lentils,  sorted, washed, and drained.  

4 carrots diced
1 cup of diced celery

1 cup of chopped onion

2 small red potatoes, chopped

2 bay leaves ( and then removed after cooking)

cracked pepper to taste

6-7 cups water

4 cups vegetable broth
2 teaspoons of Trader Joe's 21 Salute or any salt free seasoning mix

2 cups of fresh spinach torn into bite size pieces

Optional seasonings after soup is cooked: salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, lemon juice etc. 

Directions: 

Place the garlic, tomatoes, and onion in the Instant Pot- turn on Sautee setting and sautee for a few minutes until flavors begin to mingle. Add lentils, carrots, celery, onion, red potatoes, , bay leaves, cracked pepper, 21 Salute, water and broth in the Instant Pot. Turn off Sautee and Turn on manual and set for 16 minutes. Allow to self cool or release steam by turning the little steamer know to the left after it cooks. ( follow directions on your Instant Pot manual) 

Season with your choice of seasoning ( I never cook the salt with the lentils as it tends to keep the lentils from softening up)- can't kid you, it tastes great with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top ( Just saying)

My notes: 

1. Once you learn to use the Instant Pot, you will find many uses for it- and love it:
 sweet potatoes, stews, soups, dry beans, rice, lentils ( You can stop using canned beans which often have chemicals in the lining and expose you to heavy metals like aluminum as well) -
Personally, I don't meat or  chicken but of course you can find lots of recipes for meat too. Just about any recipe can be made in the Instant Pot- The Instant Pot, comes with a recipe booklet and there are TONS of wonderful recipes on Pinterest. Last week I saw a recipe for muffins!

2. It took me a while to finally open the box and learn to use it- but it was a short learning curve- the easiest way was just following the recipes in the booklet that  they give to you or fine recipes on Pinterest. I just searched Pinterest for a recipe lentil soup. Then, I adapted used my own recipe following the same steps.

Basically there are 2 steps Instant Pot Steps for this recipe plus learning about the steam release
1. Use the Sautee function- and then off
2. Use the Manuel function- set to time desired
3. Allow the steam to release on it's own OR release the steam button by turning the knob to the right.

Easy !!!

I have two Instant Pots now- the 8qt. and the 6 qt. - actually the 6 qt is the right size for me. I do have to mention that for some reason the setting are a little different on each pot. Best is to the follow the directions in the booklet for the functions.

Do you have an Instant Pot? Do you like it ? What is your favorite thing to make in it? 

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Amazon and like most bloggers will receive a very small compensation if you click on a link from my site and make a purchase. Of course this is at no additional cost to you. This helps me defray the costs of running this blog. I thank you and appreciate your support.

Don't forget to check out these hopping blog parties for additional recipes

This recipe will be shared on Beth Fish Reads- Weekend Cooking where anyone can share a food related post ( appears on Friday) 

and also on Deb's Souper Sunday where anyone can share a soup, salad, or Sammie recipe ( appears late Sunday)