Hearty Delight: Instant Pot Veggie Lentil Soup

Introduction:

Embark on a culinary journey with our Veggie Lentil Soup, a soul-warming delight crafted for your Instant Pot. Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, this recipe seamlessly combines nutrition and taste. As we guide you through the intricacies, discover how simple ingredients come together to create a hearty bowl of comfort, perfectly suited for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Aromatics:
    • Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
  2. Add Lentils and Spices:
    • Stir in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour in Broth:
    • Pour vegetable broth into the Instant Pot, ensuring it covers the ingredients. Cancel sauté mode.
  4. Pressure Cook:
    • Close the Instant Pot lid, set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for natural release or use a quick release.
  5. Finish with Greens and Lemon:
    • Open the lid and stir in chopped kale or spinach. Squeeze lemon juice into the soup, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.