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vegan lentil soup
Isla Marie

Vegan Instant Pot Lentil Soup

This hearty and flavorful vegan lentil soup is made quick and easy in the Instant Pot, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and warm spices, it’s a nutritious, plant-based meal ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup 200g brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups 960ml low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Instant Pot (6-quart recommended)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons or kitchen scale
  • Immersion blender or standard blender
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and black pepper; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
  4. Secure lid and set to Pressure Cook on high for 15 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then vent remaining pressure.
  5. Remove bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to blend 1/3 of the soup for a creamy texture, leaving some chunks.
  6. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  7. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

Substitutions: Use red lentils for a softer texture or fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smokiness.
Slow Cooker Option: Sauté vegetables, then cook in a slow cooker on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
Stovetop Option: Simmer in a pot for 30–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
Make Ahead: Prep vegetables in advance to save time.
Flavor Tip: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.