Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup: A Wholesome & Easy Comfort Meal (Stovetop Option Included!)

Discover the ultimate winter comfort food with this incredibly flavorful and nourishing Instant Pot lentil soup. It’s so rich and thick, it blurs the line between a soup and a hearty stew, making it a truly satisfying meal. Crafted with tender French green lentils, a vibrant medley of vegetables, and a savory chicken or vegetable broth, this recipe delivers deep, complex flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned pressure cooker enthusiast or prefer the traditional stovetop method, we’ve got you covered with clear, easy-to-follow directions. This versatile soup is perfect for preparing a large batch for healthy meal prep throughout the week or freezing for those busy nights when you need a quick, wholesome dinner. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade lentil soup. This particular recipe stands out because it not only warms you from the inside out but also provides a substantial amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, keeping you full and energized. It’s incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite garnishes for an added burst of flavor and color. What’s more, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option, storing beautifully in the fridge for several days and freezing wonderfully for up to three months. This healthy lentil soup recipe is genuinely a must-try for anyone seeking a wholesome, delicious, and convenient meal. We’re confident it will become a new favorite!

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Why You’ll Adore This Easy Lentil Soup Recipe

This Instant Pot lentil soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for your weekly meal rotation. Here’s a closer look at why you’ll absolutely love making and eating this incredible dish:

• Flexible Cooking Methods: Instant Pot or Stovetop. We understand that not everyone has an Instant Pot, or perhaps you simply prefer traditional cooking. That’s why this recipe offers detailed instructions for both methods. The Instant Pot pressure cooking ensures a quick, hands-off experience, perfect for busy weeknights, while the stovetop method allows for a classic, slow-simmered approach that fills your home with irresistible aromas. You choose what works best for your schedule and equipment!
• A Healthy Lentil Soup Recipe That Freezes Beautifully. Eating healthy shouldn’t be a chore. This soup is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome meal. The best part? It’s an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Make a large batch and store it in the freezer in individual portions. This means you’ll always have a delicious, ready-to-eat healthy meal waiting for you, saving time and preventing unhealthy takeout temptations.
• Hearty, Satisfying, Nourishing, and Naturally Gluten-Free. This isn’t a watery, insubstantial soup. It’s truly hearty and satisfying, thanks to the robust texture of French green lentils and a generous amount of vegetables. It provides sustained energy and keeps you feeling full without feeling heavy. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
• Lentils are High in Dietary Fiber – A Crucial Nutrient. Lentils are nutritional powerhouses! They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, a nutrient many people don’t get enough of. Fiber is vital for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, and contributes to a feeling of fullness. Incorporating this lentil soup into your diet is a delicious way to boost your fiber intake and support overall well-being.
• An Ideal Meal Prep Recipe for Busy Weeknights. Life gets hectic, but eating well shouldn’t suffer. This easy lentil soup is tailor-made for meal prep. Spend a little time cooking on the weekend, and you’ll have wholesome, delicious meals ready to go for several days. This makes healthy eating effortless and takes the stress out of figuring out what to cook after a long day.

Essential Recipe Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Lentil Soup

One of the beauties of this flavorful lentil soup is that it relies on readily available ingredients, many of which are likely already in your pantry or refrigerator. We focus on fresh, wholesome components to build layers of incredible flavor. For precise measurements and additional details on ingredients like salt and black pepper, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

• Cooking Fat: Extra Virgin Olive Oil. My preferred choice, extra virgin olive oil, not only offers a fantastic flavor profile that complements the earthy lentils but also provides healthy monounsaturated fats. It’s the perfect base to sauté our aromatic vegetables.
• Onion: A cornerstone of almost all soup recipes, onion contributes a foundational sweetness and depth of flavor that slowly develops as it cooks. You can use any common variety such as yellow, white, brown, or sweet onions. They all provide that essential aromatic base.
• Carrot: Beyond its vibrant color, carrot adds natural sweetness and a crucial vegetable component, enriching the soup’s flavor and nutritional value. It’s a key part of the classic “mirepoix.”
• Celery: Completing the aromatic “big three” – commonly known as mirepoix – celery brings a fresh, subtle bitterness and herbaceous note. This combination of onion, carrot, and celery forms the flavorful and nutritious base for countless recipes, including this hearty lentil soup.
• Fennel: A truly wonderful addition, fennel adds a unique layer of complexity. This large green bulb with feathery, dill-like tops offers a delicate, lightly licorice-like flavor. Don’t be intimidated by its distinct taste; when cooked, it mellows beautifully and adds an exceptional Mediterranean flair to this healthy lentil soup.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best for its pungent aroma and robust flavor, which deepens and becomes sweeter as it sautes. It adds significant depth and complexity. While fresh is ideal, a quality jarred garlic puree can be used in a pinch. Plus, garlic is known for its health benefits!
• Herbs: For this hearty lentil soup, dried herbs are highly recommended as they slowly rehydrate and release their full flavor during the cooking process. An Italian herb blend works wonderfully, but you can also opt for the traditional French herb blend called Herbs de Provence or a simple, yet potent, dried thyme. See the substitutions section for more details.
• Tomato Paste: A small amount of tomato paste makes a huge difference. It provides a concentrated savory depth, adding a rich, umami flavor (the fifth basic taste) that makes the soup incredibly satisfying.
• Broth: The choice of broth significantly impacts the final flavor. You can opt for chicken broth, turkey broth, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian/vegan option. For a richer flavor, beef broth can also be used. Always choose low-sodium varieties to control the saltiness of your soup. More notes on broth choices are provided below.
• Lentils: French Green Lentils. This is a critical ingredient for the texture of your soup. French green lentils (sometimes labeled as Puy lentils if grown in the Le Puy region of France) are highly prized because they maintain their shape beautifully when cooked, providing a delightful, slightly “meaty” texture that truly makes this soup stand out. Do not substitute red or yellow lentils, as they are split lentils and will break down completely, resulting in a mushy texture.
• Bay Leaf: Adding just one dried or fresh bay leaf during cooking contributes a subtle, savory depth and aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile. Remember to remove it before serving.

Please see the recipe card for exact measurements and quantities.

Fennel is a wonderfully versatile vegetable. Beyond soups, it’s also delicious eaten raw, offering a crisp texture and bright flavor. If you enjoy its unique taste, try this lovely winter salad: Fennel Salad with Orange Vinaigrette.

Chef’s Tip on Lentils: Why are French green lentils the star of this soup? Unlike their red or yellow counterparts, French green lentils are culinary champions when it comes to holding their structural integrity. They won’t turn to mush, ensuring a satisfying, hearty texture in your soup. They boast a distinct nutty, slightly peppery, and earthy flavor that adds a gourmet touch. If your package mentions “Puy lentils,” rest assured, these are premium French green lentils cultivated in the renowned Le Puy region of France. Give them a try – you’ll taste the difference!

Customizing Your Soup: Substitutions and Variations

This Instant Pot lentil soup recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences, what you have on hand, or simply to explore different flavor profiles. Here are some fantastic substitutions and variations to make this recipe truly your own:

• Lentil Alternatives: While French green lentils are highly recommended for their texture and flavor, you can substitute regular green lentils. Be aware that while they will work, they are a different variety and may result in a slightly softer texture compared to the firmer, more distinct French green lentils. Brown lentils can also be used but tend to break down a bit more than green varieties.
• For a Delicious Vegan Lentil Soup: To easily transform this into a fully plant-based meal, simply use a high-quality vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth. Homemade vegetable broth is always superior in flavor and incredibly easy to prepare, especially in an Instant Pot. You can even make a large batch and freeze it for future use.
• Broth Choices Beyond Chicken: My go-to is homemade Instant Pot chicken broth for its rich flavor. However, feel free to substitute with roasted turkey broth or even beef broth if you prefer. When using store-bought broths, always remember to check the labels for sodium levels and opt for low-sodium options to control the overall saltiness of your soup.
• Elevate with Herbs de Provence: For an authentic French twist that perfectly complements the French green lentils, try the traditional dried French herb blend called Herbs de Provence. This exquisite blend typically includes savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, often with a hint of dried lavender. It adds a wonderfully aromatic and sophisticated dimension to the soup.
• Simple Dried Thyme Option: If you prefer a simpler solution or can’t find a blend, dried thyme is an excellent substitute. It’s an herb I personally can’t live without, whether fresh or dried, and it provides a beautiful earthy, slightly floral note that pairs perfectly with lentils.
• Fresh Thyme for Brightness: If you have fresh thyme on hand, use a generous tablespoon of the chopped leaves. Add it towards the end of the sautéing process with the garlic to preserve its delicate flavor.
• No Fennel? No Problem! If fresh fennel isn’t available at your grocery store, you have a few excellent alternatives. You can substitute with fresh chopped leek (using the white and light green parts), or simply add a little extra celery and onion to bulk up the aromatic base. For a hint of fennel flavor without the bulb, you can add a pinch of fennel seed, a sprinkle of gourmet fennel pollen (which is truly delicious and concentrated), or even a touch of anise seed.
• Out of Tomato Paste? Don’t let it stop you! You can either skip it entirely, or substitute with 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or tomato sauce. While the paste provides a more concentrated umami depth, the puree or sauce will still contribute to the richness and subtle tang of the soup.

Effortless Instant Pot Lentil Soup Instructions

One of the greatest advantages of using an Instant Pot or any other electric pressure cooker is its largely hands-off operation. This allows you to achieve deeply flavored, tender results in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Let’s walk through the steps to create this incredible lentil soup.

Alternative Pressure Release Method: Natural Release

For an even more hands-off approach, or if you prefer a slightly richer, more deeply integrated flavor, you can opt for the natural release method. This involves simply allowing the pressure cooker to cool down and release pressure entirely on its own, which typically takes around 30 minutes. I have personally tested and made this healthy lentil soup using both the quick release (after 15 minutes of natural release) and full natural release methods, and both yield excellent results. The natural release allows the flavors to meld further and results in slightly more tender lentils.

Chef’s Note: While I haven’t personally experimented with making this particular lentil soup as a slow cooker recipe in the Instant Pot, I believe it would be a viable option. When I do test it, I will certainly provide an update here with recommended timing and instructions for a slow-cooked version.

Traditional Stovetop Lentil Soup Instructions

No Instant Pot? Absolutely no problem! You can still create this incredibly delicious and healthy lentil soup using your stovetop with just a few simple adjustments. The traditional method allows for a wonderfully aromatic cooking experience:

Begin by sautéing your chopped vegetables—onion, carrot, celery, and fennel—in olive oil until they are soft and translucent, typically taking about 5-7 minutes. This initial sautéing step is crucial for building a deep flavor base. Next, stir in the finely chopped garlic, dried herbs, and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to allow their aromas to bloom and the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. Then, add the chosen broth and the rinsed French green lentils to your heavy pot or Dutch oven.

Bring the mixture almost to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer gently until the lentils are tender to the bite. Begin checking for doneness after about 30 minutes, and continue simmering for a few additional minutes if needed until the lentils reach your desired tenderness. This patient simmering allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and comforting soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary before serving.

Elevate Your Instant Pot Lentil Soup with These Serving Suggestions

While this hearty lentil soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, pairing it with a simple accompaniment or enhancing it with thoughtful garnishes can transform it into an even more memorable meal. Here are some delicious ideas to serve your Instant Pot lentil soup:

• Fresh Chopped Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of vibrant color and a garden-fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens every spoonful.
• Finely Chopped Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes provide a lovely textural contrast and a sweet, acidic counterpoint to the rich soup, along with a pop of color.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For an extra layer of savory richness and a hint of salty umami, a generous grating of Parmesan cheese is an absolute delight.
• Crisp Bacon Crumbles: If you’re not keeping it vegetarian, a scattering of crispy, crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that perfectly complements the earthy lentils.
• Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: These add a fantastic nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Use my simple recipe here for how to toast pumpkin seeds. Not only do they enhance soups and salads, but pumpkin seeds are also incredibly good for you, packed with nutrients.
• A Drizzle of Quality Vinegar or Oil: Finish your bowl with a drizzle of good quality Balsamic vinegar for a tangy, sweet accent, or a swirl of excellent extra virgin olive oil. For an extra layer of flavor, consider an herb-infused olive oil, such as a rustic rosemary olive oil.
• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of warm, crusty artisan bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth.
• Side Salad: For a complete and balanced meal, serve alongside a light, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Chef’s Tip: Cooking with Fennel. If you haven’t ventured into cooking with fresh fennel, now is the perfect time! It’s truly one of my favorite vegetables for its unique and appealing flavor profile. It has a distinctive, lightly sweet licorice taste that, while it might sound unusual, becomes wonderfully subtle and aromatic when cooked. I frequently incorporate it into many of my soups and stews alongside the traditional onion, carrot, and celery, as it adds an incredible layer of flavor that elevates the dish. Beyond cooked applications, fresh fennel can also be enjoyed raw for a crisp addition to salads, juiced, or even braised as an elegant side dish. Its versatility makes it a classic culinary ingredient widely celebrated in French, Italian, and other Mediterranean cuisines.

Storing and Reheating Your Healthy Lentil Soup

One of the fantastic benefits of this Instant Pot lentil soup is how well it stores and reheats, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping. You’ll always have a delicious, healthy meal ready to go!

Storing Leftovers: Any extra soup will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always transfer it to an airtight container once it has cooled down to room temperature to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Make sure the container is sealed tightly.

Can I Freeze Lentil Soup? Absolutely! This healthy lentil soup freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for long-term storage. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its quality or flavor. For best results, divide the soup into individual portions before freezing. This allows for easy thawing and prevents food waste. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and be sure to label and date each container so you know exactly what you have and when it was stored.

Reheating Lentil Soup:

• Stovetop Method: For best results, place the desired portion of soup in a small saucepan or pot over low to medium-low heat. Cover with a lid to retain moisture and heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Heat until the soup is hot and steaming throughout. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration or freezing, you can add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Microwave Method: For a quicker option, transfer your lentil soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high using your microwave’s “sensor heat” setting if available, or set it to 70% power for a few minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly hot. Be careful when removing the bowl, as it may be hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lentil Soup

We’ve gathered some common questions about making delicious lentil soup to help you master this healthy and hearty recipe:

Explore More Hearty & Healthy Soup Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed this Instant Pot lentil soup, you’re in for a treat with more of our favorite hearty and healthy soup recipes. These comforting bowls are perfect for any season and offer a diverse range of flavors and textures:

• For a substantial and deeply flavorful classic, try our hearty favorite Ribollita Tuscan Vegetable Bean Soup. It’s a peasant soup elevated to gourmet status!
• Journey to France with our robust French Market Soup, packed with vegetables and savory beef.
• If you love a comforting, traditional soup, our Instant Pot Navy Bean with Ham is a must-make, offering tender beans and smoky flavor.
• For a vibrant and zesty option, our Mexican Chicken Tomatillo Soup delivers a delightful kick and fresh flavors.
• Looking for another fantastic lentil recipe that works year-round? Don’t miss my refreshing Mediterranean Lentil and Quinoa Salad, perfect for lighter meals or potlucks.

⭐️Did You Make This? Share Your Experience!

If you have tried this incredible Instant Pot lentil soup recipe, we would absolutely love to hear from you! Please take a moment to leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable, and if you truly loved it, a 5-star rating would be greatly appreciated! Your ratings and comments genuinely help other readers discover and enjoy this wholesome and easy comfort meal.

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