VEGGIE LENTIL SOUP INSTANT POT

Making Veggie Lentil Soup in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal. Here’s a simple recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil.
   • Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Add Lentils and Spices:
   • Add the rinsed lentils to the Instant Pot and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
   • Add ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the ingredients.
3. Pour in Broth and Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the Instant Pot.
   • Add the bay leaf and give everything a good stir.
4. Pressure Cook:
   • Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting.
   • Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes.
5. Natural Release:
   • Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
6. Add Greens:
   • Open the Instant Pot and stir in the chopped spinach or kale. The residual heat will wilt the greens.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and squeeze fresh lemon juice over each serving if desired.

This Veggie Lentil Soup is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber. It’s a perfect, comforting meal for any day. Enjoy!