Instant Pot Lentil Soup

                                            Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Making lentil soup in the Instant Pot is quick, easy, and results in a flavorful and hearty meal. The Instant Pot helps to cook the lentils and vegetables faster while infusing the soup with delicious flavors. Here's a simple recipe for Instant Pot Lentil Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes, diced)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or use water or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up.

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3. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

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5. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

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7. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, dried thyme, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.

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9. Cancel the sauté mode and close the Instant Pot lid. Set the vent to the sealing position.

10. Cook the lentil soup on high pressure for about 10 minutes. It will take some time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the actual cooking starts.

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12. Once the cooking time is up, allow a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.

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14. Open the Instant Pot lid and stir the soup.

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16. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

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18. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, which adds a bright and tangy flavor to the soup.

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20. Ladle the Instant Pot Lentil Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Enjoy this delicious and nutritious Instant Pot Lentil Soup as a quick and comforting meal. It pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded dining experience. The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare this flavorful lentil soup in no time.