This Instant Pot Red Lentil soup recipe is the best! The soup is made with healthy ingredients and simple spices. It's naturally gluten-free, vegan, and high in protein! You can cook this simple Lentil Soup in your Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or on the stovetop!
If you are a big fan of Middle Eastern cuisine and looking for healthy lentil recipes, you must try this Red Lentil soup recipe!
This red lentil soup recipe is inspired by Iraqi Shorbeh. It's simply the best lentil soup recipe!
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Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup Recipe
- Quick. Cooking red lentils is pretty easy. Red lentils split and cook very quickly. Therefore, they need no pre-soaking before cooking! They also have sweet and nutty flavors. This type of lentil is perfect to make delicious soup or sauce.
- Flavorful. This aromatic lentil soup recipe comes together quickly and yet is loaded with flavors. The soup is seasoned with fragrant spices that many people can find in their pantries.
- Creamy without any dairy product. The soup is so smooth and no blending is necessary.
- Healthy. Lentils are packed with B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Lentils are an excellent source for vegan or vegetarian diets because they are not only loaded with protein but are also enriched with iron and soluble fiber.
- Affordable. Lentils are an inexpensive whole-food staple! This soup is very filling and it doesn't cost you a lot of money to make.
Ingredients
To make this vegetarian lentil soup you will need red lentils, fresh onion, fresh garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, olive oil, and broth. To serve, you can add a small amount of lemon juice or lemon zest to add an extra kick to the broth!
- Red Lentils. They are a little smaller than green or brown lentils. These edible seeds are part of the legume family. It's a common food staple in Asian (such as in India) and North African cuisines.
- Broth. You can use vegetables or chicken broth, low-sodium or regular.
- Onion. I used yellow onion as a base for the soup. Yellow onions are versatile and when cooked are sweet and flavorful.
- Turmeric. I added turmeric to add a bright yellow color to the soup. Turmeric is packed with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Cumin. It's one of the most popular spices in Middle Eastern food. It adds aroma and earthy, warm, and citrusy tastes to the soup.
- Coriander. Similar to cumin, this spice adds an aroma and nutty taste to the soup.
- Lemon. I added lemon to brighten up the soup. It elevates the flavor of the soup without the need of adding too much salt.
How to Make Red Lentil Soup on the Stovetop
Step 1. Prepare the Red Lentils
- Remove the debris from the lentil and rinse well.
Step 2. Cook the Aromatic Vegetables
- In a large dutch oven, add in the olive oil then gently sauté the onion for about 6-7 minutes
- Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook and keep stirring for about 1 minute.
- Add red lentils and broth. Simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally to prevent lentils from sticking to the base of the pan until lentils are very soft and falling apart for about 30 minutes.
- No blending is necessary unless you want it to be extra smooth.
Important note: Please keep in mind that stove-top cookers require more liquid than electric cookers. You may need about 1 cup of extra broth or more per recipe.
How to Make Red Lentil Soup in an Instant Pot
This lentil soup is a great soup recipe that can be ready at your dinner table in less than 30 minutes from preparation to the cooking time with Instant Pot. Here's how:
Step 1. Prepare the Red Lentils
- Remove the debris from the lentil and rinse well.
Step 2. Cook the Aromatic Vegetables
- Press the “Sauté” function key then “Normal”.
- When the Instant Pot displays “Hot”, heat oil and cook the onion for about 6 minutes or until translucent.
- Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and stir for 1 minute.
Step 3. Cook at High Pressure
- Stir in the red lentils, and broth.
- Scrape the bottom of the pot to keep the pan clear and nothing is stuck on it to prevent burning.
- Secure the lid and set it to manual. Cook on high for 8 minutes.
- After the cooking cycle finishes, quickly release the pressure. Open the lid and stir the soup.
Important note: No blending is necessary unless you want it to be really smooth.
Recipe Tips
- Rinse & Pick Over Lentils! Please do not skip this step and make sure to check for debris thoroughly. It's very important to rinse and remove any stones, dirt, damaged lentils, or other debris before cooking.
- How to Remove Debris from Lentils. To find debris, you can spread the lentils out on a flat surface so that all pieces are visible to you then remove the debris.
- Taste it! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- If the broth is too thick. Add about 1 cup of warm broth and stir to combine.
Storage
Discard any leftover soup that has been left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature or 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F. You can learn more here.
- Let the soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
- Properly stored, the leftover can last 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 6 months in the freezer.
How to Reheat
- Place the leftover red lentil soup in a saucepan.
- Reheat over medium-low heat until hot.
- Don't forget to stir frequently and add a small amount of water or broth if necessary.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the leftover red lentil soup in a microwave, at 30-second intervals until hot.
I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.
๐ Recipe
Red Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dried red lentil
- 5 cups broth
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ cups chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
Optional:
- Juice of half a lemon
- salt and pepper, (to taste)
Instructions
- Press the “Sauté” function key then “Normal”. When Instant Pot displays “Hot”, heat oil.
- Cook the onion for 6 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in the red lentils, and broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to keep the pan clear and nothing is stuck on it to prevent burning.
- Close the lid. Select the "Manual" setting. Cook on high for 8 minutes. After the cooking cycle finished, quickly release the pressure. Open the lid. Stir the soup.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve with lemon juice.
Video
Notes
- In a large dutch oven. Cook onion in oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook and keep stirring for about 1 minute.
- Add red lentil and broth (use about 7 cups). Simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally to prevent lentils from sticking to the base of the pan, until lentils are very soft and falling apart for about 30 minutes. Add more broth or water if necessary.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary! Serve with the optional lemon juice if necessary! Enjoy!
melissa chapman says
That soup does sound like a great meal and loaded with vitamins. I have made brown lentil soup many times so i ahve to try the red.
Rika Livingston says
I think you should try the red lentil, Melissa!
Jen says
This sounds like a great healthy option! I love any kind of hearty soup. It's been a bit chilly here today so perfect weather.
Amber Myers says
This sounds like a delicious soup. I don't think I've ever had a lentil soup before. I'm sure I'll love it.
Marysa says
This sounds delicious. I love lentils but have never made a straight lentil soup. So healthy and good for you too!
Beth says
This looks delicious, we love tumeric and coriander! Our weather just turned cold again, so I will have to make lentil soup this week.
Tasheena says
This looks so yummy. It would be perfect to have right about now.
Chef Dennis says
This Red Lentil soup looks really healthy-licious! My wife will definitely love a bowl of this. Can't wait to go to my kitchen and check out some ingredients.
Lynndee says
I've never had lentil soup before. That looks so good. Will try your recipe soon.
Rena says
This looks amazing. I've never eaten lentil soup before but I'd love to give it a try!
Franziska says
honestly one of the best soups Ive ever tried. thank you for sharing.
such an easy recipe =)
xoxo
franzi from powder brows
Rika Livingston says
I am glad that you liked this recipe, Franziska!