Make the best Instant Pot lentil soup with this step-by-step recipe. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and so comforting. Made with caramelized onion, juicy tomatoes, and spices such as turmeric and cumin, and plenty of vegetables, you’ll love this cozy, soul-warming soup.
Editor’s note: This recipe was originally published on February 12, 2018. Since then, it’s been freshened up with new pictures, commentary, and made even more delicious.
Lentil soup is easy and convenient to make in the Instant Pot. This recipe is soul-warming, delicious, and so easy to make. It takes less than an hour and tastes great with a side of warm, crusty bread or side salad.
Ingredients you’ll need
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Oil: I use avocado oil
- Garlic: minced or crushed
- Yellow onion: finely diced
- Celery: finely diced
- Carrot: finely diced
- Tomatoes: use canned or fresh
- Dried lentils: rinsed and drained
- Spices: including ground turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper
- Water: you can also use vegetable broth
- Lemon juice: preferably from fresh lemon
How to make lentil soup in the Instant Pot
1. Saute garlic and onion: Click the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot. Add oil, garlic, and onion. Stir and cook until onions appear translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add remaining ingredients: Add carrots, celery, tomatoes, lentils, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute before adding the water. Pressing the “Cancel” button and place lid
3. Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once completed, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid.
4. Garnish and serve: Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning, if needed. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Serving suggestions
While this lentil soup can be enjoyed on its own, here are some other ways to round out your meal:
- Serve with a crusty, warm bread
- With a side of quinoa or brown rice
- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
- A salad, such as my Apple Spinach Salad
More easy soup recipes
Other easy Instant Pot recipes
- Instant Pot Carrots
- Instant Pot Cabbage
- How to Make Quinoa in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs
Did you make this Instant Pot Lentil Soup? Leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out. Be sure to tag me on Instagram to show me your creation.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil, I use avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 celery ribs, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups water, or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Click the "Saute" button on the Instant Pot. Add oil, garlic, and onion. Stir and cook until onions appear translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, tomatoes, lentils, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another minute before adding the water. Pressing the "Cancel" button and place lid
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on "sealing", and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once completed, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid.
- Stir in the lemon juice and adjust seasoning, if needed. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Courtney says
It’s starting to get a little chilly so I pulled out my Instant Pot and made this last night. It turned out perfect!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Courtney! thanks for sharing.