This hearty and nourishing lentil soup recipe, perfect for a comforting meal, is prepared using an Instant Pot. With a combination of beef, lentils, sweet potatoes, spinach, and an assortment of vegetables and seasonings, this soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
All the ingredients listed are commonly found in grocery stores. However, you might want to pay special attention to lentils. They come in various types, but for this recipe, use green or brown lentils as they hold their shape well after cooking. Also, poultry seasoning is a blend of thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary, black pepper, and nutmeg. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, you can always make your own at home.
Ingredients Needed for the Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Beef: This adds a hearty, savory flavor to the soup.
Garlic cloves: They are essential for adding depth and aroma.
Onion: This forms the base flavor of the soup.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef.
Celery: It imparts a refreshing, slightly bitter taste.
Red bell pepper: Bell pepper adds sweetness and a pop of color.
Sweet potatoes: They bring a sweet, creamy texture to the soup.
Lentils: Lentils are the star ingredient, offering plenty of protein and fiber.
Chicken broth: It acts as the soup base, providing rich flavor.
Bay leaf: This adds a subtle, herbal flavor to the soup.
Dried thyme: It gives a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Poultry seasoning: This is a blend of several herbs, adding complexity to the soup’s flavor.
Spinach: Spinach is used for its nutrients and to give a vibrant color to the dish.
Parsley: For garnishing and adding a fresh, light flavor.
Parmesan cheese: It lends a salty, nutty flavor to the soup.
One reader, Chadd Reiss says:
This instant pot lentil soup recipe is a game-changer! It's so easy to make and incredibly delicious. The flavors are rich and comforting, and the sweet potatoes add a lovely touch. It's a hearty and healthy meal that my whole family loves. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Instant Pot Lentil Soup
How to brown the beef, onion, and garlic: In a preheated Instant Pot set to sauté, cook the beef, onion, and garlic until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
How to cook the vegetables: After browning the beef, add olive oil, celery, red bell peppers, and sweet potatoes to the Instant Pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the vegetables start to look tender.
How to set the Instant Pot to high pressure: Once all the ingredients are added, set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.
How to naturally release the pressure: After the Instant Pot has cooked for 15 minutes, allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
How to remove the bay leaf and stir in the spinach: Once the pressure has been released, remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped spinach before serving.
How to serve the lentil soup: Serve the lentil soup with a garnish of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
How To Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Prepare a healthy and filling instant pot perfect for dinner with pressure cooked lentils with ground beef and fresh veggies for a tasty soup dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbBeefground
- 2garlic clovesminced
- 1oniondiced
- 1tbspolive oil
- ½cupcelerychopped
- ½red bell pepperchopped
- 2cupssweet potatoescubed
- 1¼cupslentils
- 8cupschicken broth
- 1bay leaf
- ¼tspdried thyme
- ¼tsppoultry seasoning
- 2cupsbaby spinachchopped
- fresh parsley and parmesan cheesefor garnish, optional
Instructions
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Turn a 6QT Instant Pot onto saute. Cook beef, onion, and garlic until browned and no pink remains. Drain fat if there is more than 1 tablespoon or so.
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Add olive oil, celery, red bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until veggies starts to look tender.
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Add remaining ingredients except for spinach.
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Set instant pot to high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the instant pot has cooked for 15 minutes, allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes. Release remaining pressure.
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Remove bay leaf and stir in chopped spinach.
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Serve with parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 322.36kcal
- Fat: 7.73g
- Saturated Fat: 2.21g
- Trans Fat: 0.14g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.05g
- Carbohydrates: 37.03g
- Fiber: 4.97g
- Sugar: 6.90g
- Protein: 26.77g
- Cholesterol: 42.92mg
- Sodium: 418.44mg
- Calcium: 52.66mg
- Potassium: 873.35mg
- Iron: 4.34mg
- Vitamin A: 281.62µg
- Vitamin C: 19.72mg
Instant Pot Technique Tips for Perfect Lentil Soup
When sautéing the beef, onion, and garlic in the Instant Pot, make sure to stir frequently to ensure even browning and to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This not only enhances the flavor of the soup but also prevents the 'Burn' warning on the Instant Pot. Additionally, when adding the lentils, ensure they are rinsed and drained to remove any debris or dust that could affect the overall taste and texture of the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Lentil Soup in an Instant Pot
Prep ahead: Chop and measure ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Opt for pre-cut veggies to save time on prep work.
One-pot meals: Choose recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan for easy cleanup.
Instant Pot: Utilize a pressure cooker for faster cooking times and hands-off preparation.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and freeze leftovers for quick and convenient future meals.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to minimize time spent searching for utensils and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe
beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great plant-based alternative to beef, providing a similar hearty texture and protein content.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative to chicken broth, adding depth of flavor to the soup.
poultry seasoning - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning can provide a similar blend of herbs and spices, adding savory notes to the lentil soup.
sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash can offer a similar sweet and creamy texture to sweet potatoes, enhancing the richness of the soup.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, adding a hearty and nutritious green element to the soup.
Presentation Tips for Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Elevate the plating: Arrange the lentil soup in a deep, wide-rimmed bowl, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed and visible. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and lentils should be showcased, creating an inviting visual appeal.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. The bright green hues will contrast beautifully with the rich, earthy tones of the soup, enhancing its visual appeal.
Incorporate a Parmesan cheese crisp: Create a delicate Parmesan cheese crisp to accompany the soup. Mold the cheese into a thin, lacy disc and gently place it atop the soup, adding a touch of elegance and a delightful crunch to the dish.
Use a high-quality serving spoon: Present the lentil soup with a polished, high-quality serving spoon, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Consider the placement of the bowl: Place the bowl of lentil soup on a pristine, white linen napkin to create a clean and polished presentation. The contrast between the vibrant soup and the pristine backdrop will enhance the visual appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Lentil Soup in an Instant Pot
Instant Pot: A multi-functional electric pressure cooker that can be used for various cooking methods such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and more.
Knife: A sharp cutting tool used for chopping, dicing, and slicing ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for the recipe.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, and turning ingredients.
Wooden spoon: A versatile tool for stirring, mixing, and tasting dishes.
Ladle: A large, long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soups and stews.
Tongs: Used for gripping and lifting hot pots, pans, and other cookware.
Soup ladle: A deep-bowled spoon with a long handle, specifically designed for serving soups.
Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Peeler: Used for peeling the skin off vegetables and fruits.
Can opener: A tool used for opening cans of ingredients such as broth or tomatoes.
Measuring scale: Used for precise measurement of ingredients by weight.
Instant-read thermometer: Used for checking the internal temperature of the meat for doneness.
Bowls: Used for mixing, marinating, and serving the soup.
Plates: Used for serving the finished soup.
Kitchen timer: Used for timing the cooking process accurately.
Trivet: A heat-resistant stand used to place the hot Instant Pot on the countertop.
Storing and Freezing Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Allow the lentil soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the soup even more delicious.
When reheating refrigerated soup, bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning if needed and add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
To freeze the soup, ladle it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents.
Lentil soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.
For a quick and convenient meal, portion the soup into individual serving sizes before freezing. This allows you to thaw and reheat only what you need, reducing waste and saving time.
How To Reheat Lentil Soup Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover instant pot lentil soup is to transfer it to a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensure even heating without overcooking the lentils or making them mushy.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the desired amount of leftover soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Heat the soup in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the lentils to become overcooked and lose their texture.
If you have stored the leftover soup in the refrigerator, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before reheating. This will help the soup reheat more evenly and prevent any cold spots in the center.
When reheating, you may notice that the soup has thickened due to the lentils absorbing more liquid. If desired, you can add a small amount of chicken broth or water to thin the soup to your preferred consistency.
To enhance the flavor of the reheated soup, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or some freshly chopped parsley just before serving. These additions can brighten up the flavors and make the leftover soup taste as delicious as when it was first prepared.
Interesting Facts About Lentil Soup
The lentil soup recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish that can be easily customized with various vegetables and seasonings. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup a filling and satisfying meal. Additionally, the use of an Instant Pot allows for quick and convenient cooking, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe can also be easily adapted to be vegetarian or vegan by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead. Lentil soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round and is a great way to incorporate more legumes into your diet.
Is Making Lentil Soup in an Instant Pot Cost-Effective?
This instant pot lentil soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The combination of lentils, beef, and vegetables makes it a hearty and nutritious meal. The cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $20, making it an economical choice. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations based on availability and preference. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Lentil Soup Healthy?
This instant pot lentil soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-dense ingredients such as:
- Lentils: High in protein, fiber, and essential minerals
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, celery, red bell pepper, and spinach provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Sweet potatoes: Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and dietary fiber
However, there are some areas of concern:
- Beef: While it provides protein and iron, it is also high in saturated fat and cholesterol
- Chicken broth: Depending on the brand, it may contain high levels of sodium
- Parmesan cheese: High in saturated fat and sodium
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the beef with a leaner protein source, such as ground turkey or chicken, or opt for a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the soup, such as adding diced carrots or zucchini, to boost the nutrient profile and fiber content
- Limit the amount of parmesan cheese used as a topping, or choose a low-fat alternative
- Incorporate additional herbs and spices, like rosemary, oregano, or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt
By making these adjustments, you can transform this instant pot lentil soup into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your taste buds and provides comfort on a chilly day.
Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe
The recipe provided is a hearty and flavorful instant pot lentil soup. The combination of beef, lentils, and vegetables creates a satisfying and nutritious dish. The use of sweet potatoes adds a touch of natural sweetness, while the spices and herbs enhance the overall depth of flavor. The addition of spinach at the end provides a pop of color and freshness. However, to elevate the dish further, consider incorporating more aromatic herbs and adjusting the cooking time for the vegetables to ensure they maintain their texture. Overall, it's a comforting and wholesome soup that can be enjoyed with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added richness.
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Why trust this Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of beef, sweet potatoes, and lentils, providing a rich source of protein and fiber. The use of chicken broth infuses the soup with a depth of flavor, while the addition of spinach offers a boost of essential nutrients. The inclusion of garlic and onion adds aromatic layers, enhancing the overall taste. With a blend of thyme and poultry seasoning, this soup promises a harmonious medley of flavors. The use of parmesan cheese as a finishing touch elevates the dish, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice for any meal.
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