Easy Plant-Based Lentil Soup (Instant Pot & Stovetop) Recipe
A hearty and nutritious plant-based lentil soup that is easy to prepare using an Instant Pot or stovetop. Packed with green lentils, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this soup is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or meal prep. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and rich in protein and fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes (pressure cooking) + 5 minutes (sautéing and finishing)
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Plant-Based/Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups green lentils, rinsed
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups homemade vegetable broth or low-sodium store-bought vegetable broth
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup potato, peeled and diced
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrot, and garlic to the Instant Pot along with about 1/4 cup of vegetable broth. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function on low heat. Stir occasionally every few minutes until the onion starts to wilt and soften, releasing its aroma.
- Add lentils and liquids: Turn off the sauté function. Add the rinsed green lentils, diced tomatoes, the remaining vegetable broth, fresh thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Pressure cook the soup: Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Set the Instant Pot to manual pressure cook mode for 18 minutes to thoroughly cook the lentils and blend flavors.
- Release pressure and add peas: After cooking, quick-release the valve pressure carefully and remove the lid. Add the frozen peas to the soup, stirring well to incorporate. Let the soup sit for a few minutes off heat so the peas can warm through.
- Adjust consistency and serve: If the soup appears too thick, add additional water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir before serving hot.
Notes
- Rinsing lentils helps remove dust and reduces foam during cooking.
- You can prepare this soup on the stovetop by sautéing vegetables in a pot and then simmering with lentils and broth for about 30–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Optional diced potatoes add more texture and heartiness; add them with the lentils before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning at the end, especially salt and pepper, based on your taste preference.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months—cool completely before freezing.
