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Instant Pot Lentil Soup

The best Instant Pot Lentil Soup recipe! This hearty and comforting soup is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a cozy meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Inactive Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 7
Calories 266 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 2 medium carrots chopped into ¼-inch thick rounds or half-rounds
  • 2 ribs celery chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 15- ounce can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups dry green or brown lentils picked over and rinsed
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Heat the olive oil, then add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic, dried thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, then press Cancel to turn off the Sauté function.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and use a spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes and lentils, stirring to combine.
  • Secure the Instant Pot lid and move the steam release valve to the Sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook (or Manual) function and set the cook time to 8 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take about 25 minutes to reach pressure before the cook time begins.
  • When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes by letting the Instant Pot sit undisturbed. Then, carefully move the steam release valve to Venting (a long spoon handle works well for this).
  • Once all the steam has escaped and the pressure pin drops, carefully open the lid. Stir in the chopped spinach until wilted.
  • Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to each bowl of soup before serving.
Store leftover lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Keyword Instant Pot Lentil Soup