Hearty and healthy, with Instant Pot and stove top instructions. It's loaded with vegetables and plant-based protein. Lentil soup freezes great if you have leftovers.
1 ½teaspoonsdried herbs: Italian blendOR Herbs de Provence, or thyme
1bay leafdried or fresh
1 ½tablespoonstomato paste
5cupslow sodium brothchicken, vegetable, turkey or beef
1 ½ cupsFrench green lentils
¼teaspoonsea salt
¼teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Garnishes
¼cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
¼cupgrated Parmesan cheese
¼cuptoasted pumpkin seeds
drizzle of Balsamic or olive oil
sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
Select "sauté" to pre-heat the Instant Pot. When the word "hot" appears on the display, add the olive oil, onion, carrot, celery, and fennel. Set the timer for 7 minutes and stir occasionally. Towards the end of the sauté cycle, stir in the garlic, dried herbs and tomato paste.
Stir in the broth, lentils, salt and pepper, place the lid on and turn to lock. Turn the steam release handle on top of the lid closed. Select "pressure cook" and set the timer using the [+] button for 15 minutes. When the Instant Pot completes the warm up and cooking cycle it will beep. Use the natural release method for 15 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure by pressing "cancel" and turning the steam release handle on top of the lid to the "venting" position.
If you are not in a hurry, leave the Instant Pot to come down all of the way naturally. Unlock, stir and serve. Leftovers keep well for up to four days and freeze well.
Stove Top Method
Sauté all of the vegetables in oil until tender in a large pot, 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic, dried herbs and tomato paste, stir and cook 1 minute. Add the rest of the ingredients, bring just to a boil, turn heat to low, cover with a lid and simmer on low until the lentils are tender, 20-30 minutes. Taste and if the lentils are not tender enough simmer for a few additional minutes.
Notes
To make lentil soup vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth. Homemade is best and so easy, plus you can freeze a batch in portions.
Chicken broth is a little richer than vegetable broth. If you have an Instant Pot, homemade chicken broth takes about 2 hours. Any extra freezes great.