Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe

Hearty, nourishing lentil soup loaded with vegetables and aromatic spices, ready in a fraction of the time thanks to the pressure-cooking magic of the Instant Pot.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Serves:
6 bowls
An overhead shot of a rustic ceramic bowl filled with the steaming lentil soup, its rich amber-brown surface dotted with vibrant green herbs and a swirl of olive oil catching the soft natural light. Surrounding the bowl, scattered fresh ingredients - halved tomatoes, carrot slices, celery leaves, and a small heap of uncooked lentils - create visual context on a weathered wooden board. A chunk of crusty artisan bread leans against the bowl, ready for dipping, while steam rises gently from the soup's surface, conveying warmth and comfort. The image highlights the soup's hearty texture with visible vegetables and lentils peeking through the broth.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g dry green or brown lentils, rinsed and picked over</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large onion, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 medium carrots, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 celery stalks, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 bay leaf</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g can diced tomatoes</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1.5 liters vegetable broth</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g fresh parsley, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp knife</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cutting board</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Measuring spoons and cups</li></ul>

Equipment for this recipe

Already own suitable equipment? Use yours.

instant-pot-lentil-soup-recipe
No items found.

Helpful equipment

Editorially selected equipment that may help with this recipe. Already own suitable equipment? Use yours.

instant-pot-lentil-soup-recipe
italian-meringue-method-macarons-with-temperature-controlled-shell-recipe

Digital candy thermometer

Precise syrup temperature is part of this recipe. If you already own an accurate candy thermometer for this range, use it.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

tulumba-syrup-soaked-fried-phyllo-recipe

Candy/deep-fry thermometer

The frying temperature is outcome-sensitive. If you already own an accurate thermometer suitable for hot oil, use it.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

ginger-smores-sandwich-cookies-recipe

Digital candy thermometer

This recipe calls for measured sugar temperature. Use an accurate candy thermometer you already own if it is suitable.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

earl-grey-tea-infused-cream-pie-with-pulled-sugar-decoration-recipe

Digital candy thermometer

Pulled-sugar work depends on accurate temperature. An existing suitable candy thermometer is completely fine.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

coconut-macarons-recipe

Oven thermometer

Useful for checking actual oven temperature when baking temperature-sensitive macarons.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks Square DOT

Alternative

vegan-scalloped-potatoes-recipe

High-speed blender

A high-powered blender is called for here to achieve the intended smooth texture. Already own a capable one? Use yours.

Full-size default and compact alternative; choose based on batch size and your kitchen.

Primary pick

Vitamix 5200

Alternative

Vitamix Propel 510
vegan-enchilada-casserole-recipe

High-speed blender

The cashew cream step explicitly calls for a high-speed blender. If yours can produce the same smooth texture, use it.

Full-size default and compact alternative; either is appropriate when the batch fits.

Primary pick

Vitamix 5200

Alternative

Vitamix Propel 510
green-goddess-smoothie-recipe

High-speed blender

This smoothie explicitly calls for a high-powered blender. A capable blender you already own is all you need.

Full-size default and compact alternative; choose based on capacity and counter space.

Primary pick

Vitamix 5200

Alternative

Vitamix Propel 510
tim-hortons-copycat-chili-recipe

Dutch oven

A durable covered pot for the recipe's long simmer; use your own suitable heavy pot if you already have one.

Primary pick

Le Creuset 5.3 L Round Dutch Oven

Alternative

green-goddess-smoothie-recipe

High-powered blender

The recipe explicitly calls for high-powered blending for a smooth texture.

Full-size and compact high-speed options serve different batch-size and space needs.

Primary pick

Vitamix 5200

Alternative

Vitamix Propel 510
keto-cloud-bread-recipe

Electric mixer

The recipe allows either a stand mixer or hand mixer for whipping.

Stand or hand mixer both satisfy the recipe; choose based on workload and space.

Primary pick

KitchenAid Artisan 5-qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Alternative

Breville Handy Mix Scraper
copycat-pf-changs-dynamite-shrimp-recipe

Frying thermometer

Accurate oil-temperature monitoring helps keep frying consistent and safe.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

copycat-parkers-pretzel-chicken-strips-recipe

Food processor

A convenient route for crushing pretzels; the recipe also allows a bag and rolling pin.

Primary pick

Cuisinart Custom 14 Food Processor

Alternative

tanghulu-recipe

Candy thermometer

Sugar temperature is outcome-sensitive in tanghulu.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

ginger-smores-sandwich-cookies-recipe

Candy thermometer

The marshmallow/sugar work depends on measured temperature.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks ChefAlarm

Alternative

lemon-blueberry-whoopie-pie-sandwich-cookies-recipe

Electric mixer

The recipe allows stand or hand mixing for the batter and filling.

Stand and hand mixers are both valid routes for this recipe.

Primary pick

KitchenAid Artisan 5-qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Alternative

Breville Handy Mix Scraper
blue-lagoon-mocktail-cake-recipe

Digital kitchen scale

Accurate gram measurements improve repeatability for the layer cake.

Primary pick

Escali Primo P115 Digital Scale

Alternative

watermelon-margarita-cocktail-cupcakes-recipe

Electric mixer

The recipe permits either a stand mixer or hand mixer.

Two valid mixer formats are kept inside one equipment need.

Primary pick

KitchenAid Artisan 5-qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

Alternative

Breville Handy Mix Scraper
copycat-five-guys-bacon-cheeseburger-recipe

Instant-read thermometer

Fast internal-temperature checks help verify burger doneness.

Primary pick

ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

Alternative

high-protein-lentil-vegetable-soup-with-parmesan-recipe

Dutch oven

A heavy covered pot is well suited to the soup's simmering workflow.

Primary pick

Le Creuset 5.3 L Round Dutch Oven

Alternative

Affiliate purchase links appear only after separate commerce approval.

BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This brief cooking time releases the essential oils in the spices and garlic, enhancing their flavors without risking any burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, bay leaf, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these contain concentrated flavor and will enrich your soup's taste profile.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is set to "Sealing" position. Cancel the Sauté function, then press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button and set to High Pressure for 15 minutes. The pot will take approximately 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release. This gradual depressurization prevents the soup from sputtering through the valve and allows the lentils to finish cooking to the perfect tender consistency.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure. When the float valve drops, it's safe to open the lid. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Stir in the fresh lemon juice, which brightens the flavor and balances the earthiness of the lentils. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley. For an extra touch of richness, drizzle each serving with a small amount of good quality olive oil just before serving. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 245 calories
🥑 Fat: 4 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 40 g
🍭 Sugar: 4 g
🍗 Protein: 15 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 580 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown in pressure cooker soup?

Red lentils cook much faster and break down more easily, resulting in a creamier soup texture. If using red lentils, reduce the pressure cooking time to 8-10 minutes to prevent them from becoming mushy. The flavour profile will be slightly milder and sweeter.

How long does homemade lentil soup last in the refrigerator?

Homemade lentil soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavours often intensify after a day or two, making it excellent for meal prep. Reheat thoroughly until steaming before serving.

What are the best garnishes to elevate a bowl of vegetarian lentil soup?

Enhance your lentil soup with a drizzle of good olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, coriander, or dill), toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds, a dollop of Greek yoghurt, crumbled feta cheese, or crispy fried onions for texture.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.