Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Comforting Lentil Soup is made quick and convenient with the use of an Instant Pot. With only 10 ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, stick-to-your-ribs soup in no time!

Love soup for dinner? Our Instant Pot French Onion soup recipe is delicious and hearty. Or give our white chicken chili recipe a try next.

Lentil soup in a white bowl with crusty french bread on the side.


Lentil Soup in the Pressure Cooker

This recipe is great for busy days and meat-free meal nights.

Chewy lentils make this soup substantial and flavorful, so you won’t feel hungry after dinner. Making this the perfect meatless Monday recipe.

  • With only 15 minutes of prep time, this soup is ready to eat in 45 minutes from start to finish!
  • A simple ingredient list makes this an incredibly economical recipe. 
  • Prepared ingredients like canned diced tomatoes help the broth come together easily in mere minutes. 
  • Endless options to add your favorite ingredients to make this soup heartier, spicier, or creamier. 
  • Cooking with the Instant Pot means you can wander off and fold laundry while the soup cooks to perfection.

If you love lentils, our lentil tortilla soup is perfect for meatless monday. Packed with spicy flavor, you’l love how easy it is to make.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed to make lentil soup in the pressure cooker.
  • Green lentils – This hearty lentil makes this soup filling and nutritious.
  • Diced tomatoes – An easy way to add acidity, flavor, and color to the broth.
  • Red Onion – A little savory and a little sweet, onion adds foundational flavor to the soup base.
  • Carrots – Adds color, texture, and a touch of earthy sweetness to the soup. 
  • Celery – Adds a bit of texture to your soup. 
  • Vegetable broth – Feel free to use your own broth or store-bought. Using bouillon cubes? Be sure to taste the broth and adjust the salt you add to the recipe.
  • Vegetable Oil – Vegetable oil helps keep your vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot. It also adds a touch of richness to the soup.
  • Parsley – This bright green, refreshing herb makes a perfect topping for the finished soup. 

How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Step by step photos showing how to make lentil soup in the Instant Pot.
  1. Saute. You’ll want to use this function to soften the vegetables and add flavor to the soup.
  2. Seal and Cook. Close the lid and make sure the valve is in sealing mode. Select MANUAL (high pressure) and set the cooking time to 15 minutes.
  3. Natural Release. When the cooking time is complete, wait another 15 minutes to allow the pressure to release naturally. 
  4. Serve. Open the lid carefully. Stir and serve hot with fresh parsley. 
Lentil soup being ladled out of the Instant Pot.

Serving Suggestions 

Prefer a creamier soup? Add milk or heavy cream to the soup just before serving. For a creamier soup with a little tang, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. 

Lentil soup goes hand in hand with a side of your favorite crackers or my Easy Garlic Bread. Or you can take it a step further with my Cheesy Garlic Bread or flaky Puff Pastry Breadsticks.

Lentil soup served in a white bowl.

Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

5 from 2 votes
By: Aimee
Comforting Lentil Soup is made quick and convenient with the use of an Instant Pot. With only 10 ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, stick-to-your-ribs soup in no time!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 red onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 3 stalks of celery diced
  • 2 cups dried green lentils
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 28 ounce
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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Instructions 

  • Add oil to the instant pot, and select SAUTE mode. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until the onion is translucent. Cancel saute mode.   
  • Add the lentils, tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper. Close the lid, and make sure the valve is in sealing mode. Select manual (high pressure) and cook time for 15 minutes.    
  • When cook time ends, allow pressure to release naturally, this will take about 15 minutes. Open the lid carefully and stir the soup.
  • Serve hot with fresh parsely.

Notes

  • We love using green lentils because they hold their shape during pressure cooking and have a nice, firm texture.
  • Serve with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Serve soup with a side of bread or crackers. Want something a bit heartier? Add chicken breasts or sausage to the soup.
  • Store soup in refrigerator for up to 4 days for best flavor and texture.
  • Freeze leftover soup for up to 3 months in freezer safe, air tight container. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Want to spice it up? Add red pepper flakes while sauteeing the vegetables, or when serving.
  • Prefer a creamier soup? Add milk or heavy cream when serving.
  • When reheating leftovers, the soup may have thickened. Add in extra vegetable broth before reheating to thin the soup to desired consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 1162mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 5g
Course: Soups and Stews
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!


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About Aimee

Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator.

Learn more about Aimee.

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Posted on January 12, 2023

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