Vegetarian Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Total time55 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time30 min

This cozy lentil soup builds deep flavor from a base of sautéed onion, carrot, and celery, bloomed with cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne for warmth. Red lentils cook down fast under pressure, turning silky and thick once you partially blend the pot for that perfect half-smooth, half-hearty texture. Diced tomatoes add brightness, while a finishing splash of fresh lemon juice wakes everything up right before serving. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil, a dusting of smoked paprika, and a scatter of fresh parsley, it's the kind of bowl that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes thanks to the Instant Pot. It's a satisfying, protein-packed option that fits easily into a vegetarian rotation, especially on busy weeknights when you want something warming without much fuss.

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Ingredients

6 servings

2 tbsp olive oil
Filippo Berio Olive Oil 25.3 fl oz Filippo Berio Olive Oil 50.7 fl oz Bertolli Cooking Olive Oil 50.72 oz Pompeian Olive Oil Classic Mediterranean - 16 Fl. Oz.Vigo® 100% Pure Olive Oil
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1 large yellow onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 ½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground turmeric
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 ½ cups red lentils, rinsed
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Chef's tip
Use the same amount of low-sodium vegetable broth. The dish will be a little lighter in flavor than with chicken broth.
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)

For serving

2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (Normal). Add 2 tbsp olive oil and heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5–6 minutes.
2
Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute, watching closely so the garlic does not scorch.

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