Instant Pot Mediterranean lentil soup is a healthy protein rich Soup wth red lentil soup, potatoes infused with spices and finished with a dash of lemon juice and Cilantro
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The best thing about the lentil soup is that it's vegan and makes a complete meal by itself. It is rich in protein and has intense flavors.
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Lentils
Lentils are a staple when it comes to a Mediterranean diet. They are easy to cook, rich in fiber and protein. They are an excellent protein resource for the plant-based diet.
You can use lentils to your rice, Soups, Stews, Salads, and what not?
Ingredients
Extra virgin Olive Oil - This is mandatory for any middle east soup. It gives an earthy flavor to the soup. You may use either virgin or extra virgin olive oil.
Red Lentils- Lentils is the base for the soup. It gives a creamy silky texture to the soup.
Vegetables - Potatoes, carrots, and celery go well with the soup. Use red or white onions for the soup.
Spice powders - We usually a mix of spice powders. Cumin powder, Coriander powder, Paprika, pepper powder, Salt, and sugar goes into the soup.
Sumac - This is another important ingredient in lentil soup. It gives a peppy astringent flavor to the soup. You can replace sumac with Lemon zest.
Garnish - Use lemon juice along with red chili flakes and Cilantro as a garnish. You can also drizzle in olive oil for a glossy soup.
How to Prepare Red Lentil Soup
1.Switch on the Instant Pot in saute mode. After a few secs add in 1 tbsp of Olive oil. Wait for 30 secs and then add in the chopped garlic saute for 30 secs and then add in the finely chopped onions. Cook for 2 mins.
2. Next, add in the chopped Celery. Saute for a min.
3. And then add in the spice powders. I am using Paprika powder, Cumin powder, Coriander powder, Black Pepper, and the required salt. Along with this add in the Sugar. Combine everything.
4. Next, add in the cubed potatoes. Mix everything tother.
5. Add in the Red Lentils. Saute everything
6. Next, add in 3 cups of vegetable stock or water. I ran out of vegetable stock so I went with water. Mix well and then close the Instant Pot. Move the pressure knob to the sealing position. Press the pressure cook mode and then set 8 mins in high pressure.
7. Wait for a natural pressure release and then open the Instant Pot.
8. Next using the immersion blender, blend everything to a soupy consistency. Add in Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest and Red chili Flakes and then garnish with finely chopped Cilantro.
Delicious Mediterranean-style Lentil soup is ready in the Instant Pot.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure the lentils are cooked perfectly before you blend the soup.
- Use an immersion blender for blending the soup -It comes in handy, you can directly blend in the Instant Pot itself. No need of transferring elsewhere and then blend. So I highly recommend this step.
- Don't skip adding the lemon juice and zest they give a unique flavor to the soup.
- If you do not have an Instant Pot you may use a pressure cooker or cook on the stovetop.
- Use Vegetable stock for a flavorful soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup with some crusty bread or any Salad. However, the soup makes a meal by itself too.
Similar Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 Garlic
- 1 Onion medium sized
- ⅓ cup Celery
- 1 Potato medium sized
- ½ cup Red Lentils or masoor dal
- ½ tsp Paprika powder
- ½ tsp Cumin powder
- ½ tsp Coriander powder
- ½ tsp Pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- ¼ tsp Lemon Zest
- ¼ tsp Sugar
- 3 cups Vegetable stock I used Water
- Lemon Juice Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ tsp Red Chili Flakes
- Cilantro to garnish
Instructions
- Switch on the Instant Pot in saute mode. After a few secs add in 1 tbsp of Olive oil. Wait for 30 secs and then add in the chopped garlic saute for 30 secs and then add in the finely chopped onions. Cook for 2 mins.
- Next, add in the chopped Celery. Saute for a min.
- And then add in the spice powders. I am using Paprika powder, Cumin powder, Coriander powder, Black Pepper, and the required salt. Along with this add in the Sugar. Combine everything.
- Next, add in the cubed potatoes. Mix everything tother.
- Add in the Red Lentils. Saute everything
- Next, add in 3 cups of vegetable stock or water. I ran out of vegetable stock so I went with water. Mix well and then close the Instant Pot. Move the pressure knob to the sealing position. Press the pressure cook mode and then set 8 mins in high pressure.
- Wait for a natural pressure release and then open the Instant Pot. Next using the immersion blender, blend everything to a soupy consistency.
- Add in Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest, and Red chili Flakes and then garnish with finely chopped Cilantro. Delicious Mediterranean-style Lentil soup is ready in the Instant Pot.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist , the nutrition value provided here is an estimate. It will vary based on the quantity and brands of the products use
Anusha
Simply love all soups but nothing to match a good lentil soup. Beautiful pictures Sharmi
ellie
how much red lentil needs to be added for this soup not listed in the ingredients.
Srivalli
This is surely an excellent soup!...Shorba surely makes a filling meal anytime!
Srividhya
Love this red lentil soup. A simple yet flavorful soup.... Super comforting one for sure.
Usha
I usually do not blend the lentils in lentil soup. This time I idid and it was really nice and liked the flavors of all the spices you used.
Radha
Love soups and this is a perfect and comforting meal. Great idea to make this in Instant Pot.
Harini
I love such dal based soups. They are hearty and filling specially during the winter months.