Instant Pot Lentil Soup

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This Instant Pot lentil soup is quick enough to prepare when you get home from work for an easy weeknight dinner. This vegetarian soup recipe is full of aromatic vegetables, brown lentils and fresh spinach. A splash of balsamic vinegar brightens the flavor, and a garnish of radish and parsley gives this comforting soup a fresh finish.

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Prep Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion

  • 1 cup chopped carrots

  • 1 cup chopped turnip

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

  • 2 cups brown lentils, rinsed

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • 5 cups fresh baby spinach

  • 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 3 radishes, cut into matchsticks

  • ¼ cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Directions

  1. Select Sauté setting on a programmable pressure multicooker (such as an Instant Pot; times, instructions and settings may vary according to cooker brand or model). Select High temperature setting and allow to preheat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the cooker; heat until shimmering. Add onion, carrots, turnip and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in broth, lentils and salt.

  2. Press Cancel. Cover the cooker and lock the lid in place. Turn the steam release handle to Sealing position. Select Manual/Pressure Cook setting. Select High pressure for 10 minutes. (It will take about 10 minutes for the cooker to come up to pressure before cooking begins.)

  3. When cooking is complete, carefully turn the steam release handle to Venting position and let the steam fully escape (float valve will drop; this will take about 5 minutes) before removing the lid from the cooker. Stir in spinach and vinegar.

  4. Toss radishes and parsley with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small bowl. Ladle the soup evenly into 6 bowls; top with the radish mixture.

Tips

To make ahead: Prepare through Step 3 and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 6 months. Reheat in microwave or on stovetop and continue with Step 4 just before serving.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, December 2019

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

305 Calories
6g Fat
48g Carbs
18g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 1/4 cups
Calories 305
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 48g 17%
Dietary Fiber 18g 63%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 18g 36%
Total Fat 6g 7%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Vitamin A 5827IU 117%
Vitamin C 15mg 16%
Folate 378mcg 95%
Sodium 470mg 20%
Calcium 108mg 8%
Iron 8mg 42%
Magnesium 93mg 22%
Potassium 942mg 20%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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