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This Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Spinach is a warm and hearty meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or quick weekday dinners. Packed with protein-rich lentils, tender spinach, and bold seasonings, it’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a nourishing one-pot meal, this recipe will become your new favorite!

What could be more satisfying than a warm and comforting bowl of soup? This Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Spinach is vegan, delicious, and so easy to make!

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Lentil Soup With Spinach

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with plant-based protein from lentils and loaded with spinach, this soup is a wholesome meal that keeps you satisfied.
Diet-Friendly: It’s naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Minimal Cleanup: The Instant Pot does all the work in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!
Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and tender lentils creates a rich and savory taste that everyone will love.

Lentil soup is one of my all-time favorites and with your Instant Pot, it has never been easier to make! This recipe is going to be a go-to for you, I am sure of it. It is so easy to prepare in your Instant Pot and done in no time. Just a few quick minutes of prep time, twenty-five minutes in the Instant Pot, and this soup is ready to enjoy in half an hour. Fast food has never tasted as good as this healthy, vegan Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Spinach.

Ingredients For Instant Pot Lentil Soup With Spinach

Red Lentils – The star ingredient, adding protein and a creamy texture.
Frozen Spinach (or fresh) – Provides a vibrant color and a boost of nutrients.
Onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
Carrot – A touch of natural sweetness and texture.
Garlic – Essential for enhancing the flavor of the soup.
Chili Powder – Brings a subtle heat and spice to the dish.
Ground Cumin – Adds warmth and an earthy flavor.
Dried Oregano – A classic herb for balance and aroma.
Canned Chopped Tomatoes – Adds acidity and a rich tomato base.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps the flavors meld together.
Water – The liquid base that brings everything together.

For exact measurements of these ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian, this Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Spinach is a winner for any crowd. Some folks think vegan means tasteless and difficult, not the case with this recipe! You’ll have vegan and non-vegan diners licking the bowl with this recipe.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup With Spinach

Instant Pot – The key to cooking the soup quickly and effortlessly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
Knife and Cutting Board – To chop the onion, carrot, and garlic.

Filling enough to be a complete meal, this soup is flavorful and so simple. Simply dump the ingredients in your instant pot and you are ready to go. It has never been easier or faster to prepare a delicious soup than with this recipe!

How To Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup With Spinach

Start by adding all the ingredients to your Instant Pot.
Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function and set the timer to 15 minutes on high pressure.
Once the timer finishes, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to “Venting.”
Open the lid and stir the soup to combine all the ingredients.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it warm.

Remember how I said all you needed to do was dump in the ingredients? Yes, it really is that simple. Two steps and you are done!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with Perfectly Cooked Frozen Rolls of Warm Frozen Naan Bread or Soft and Fresh Pita Bread for dipping.
Top with a dollop of Creamy Greek Yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.
Pair with a side of Healthy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Serve in small portions as a starter or alongside a larger spread of vegan dishes.
Add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra flavor boost before serving.

To whip up this tasty soup, put all of your ingredients together in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and turn the valve to a sealing position. Press the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button and set your timer to fifteen minutes on high pressure. That’s it! When your timer goes off, quick release the steam and give that soup a stir to mix all the ingredients. Just like that your Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Spinach is ready to enjoy!

Tips For Success

Rinse Your Lentils: Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris and help them cook evenly.
Choose the Right Spinach: Frozen spinach is convenient, but if using fresh spinach, chop it loosely for even distribution in the soup. Baby spinach works well without chopping.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Start with the recommended amounts, but feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or spices after cooking to suit your preferences.
Don’t Overfill the Instant Pot: Ensure that the ingredients and water do not exceed the “Max” line of your Instant Pot to avoid pressure issues.
Use Quick Release Carefully: When releasing steam, use a towel or utensil to avoid burns, as the steam can be very hot.
Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot in the olive oil using the “Sauté” function before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Make It Thicker or Thinner: For a thicker soup, reduce the water slightly, or for a thinner soup, add more water after cooking.

Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or just a soup-lover, you are sure to enjoy this Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Spinach. Even better, it is easy to prepare and ready in no time with your Instant Pot!

Variations And Substitutions

Switch Up the Lentils: While this recipe calls for red lentils, you can substitute yellow lentils or split mung beans, as they have similar cooking times. Brown or green lentils can also be used but will retain more texture and may require slightly more cooking time.
Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding diced zucchini, celery, or bell peppers. Just chop them small so they cook evenly with the lentils.
Spice It Up: For more heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a smoky twist, try smoked paprika.
Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish the soup with fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill for added flavor and a pop of color.
Replace the Spinach: If spinach isn’t available, kale or Swiss chard can be used. Remove the stems and chop the leaves into smaller pieces for better texture.
Protein Boost: Add cooked chickpeas or tofu cubes for extra protein and texture.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and adjust the salt to your preference.
Make It Creamy: Blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender for a creamier consistency. You can also stir in coconut milk or cashew cream after cooking.
Different Oils: Swap olive oil for avocado oil or coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
Herb and Spice Swaps: Try thyme or rosemary in place of oregano for a different herbal note.

Give this delicious soup a try and you will love the combination of lentils, delicious seasonings, spinach, tomatoes, and onion. It is better (and healthier!) than any canned soup but takes no extra effort to prepare!

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the soup cool completely before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing: Freeze the soup in individual portions using resealable freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: Defrost frozen soup by transferring it to the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheating on the Stove: Pour the soup into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the soup is too thick.
Reheating in the Instant Pot: Use the “Sauté” function to reheat the soup, stirring often for even heating.
Reheating in the Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Homemade, healthy and filling, this soup will you fill you up and leave you totally satisfied!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach in this recipe. If using baby spinach, there’s no need to chop it. For regular spinach, loosely chop the leaves before adding them to the Instant Pot for even cooking.

Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?

No, soaking is not required for red lentils as they cook quickly. However, if you prefer to soak them, reduce the cooking time to around 10 minutes.

Can I add rice to this recipe?

Yes, you can add rice to make the soup heartier. Use up to 1 cup of white rice and keep the cooking time the same. For brown rice, adjustments in cooking time would be needed.

What other spices can I use?

Feel free to experiment with spices like smoked paprika, turmeric, or garam masala to give the soup a unique flavor profile.

How do I make this soup thicker?

For a thicker soup, reduce the water slightly or blend a portion of the cooked soup with an immersion blender. You can also mash some of the lentils with the back of a spoon.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, you can omit the olive oil for an oil-free version. The soup will still be flavorful, and you can sauté the vegetables in a splash of water or broth instead.

What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute. Chop them finely and use about 3 cups to replace the 24 oz of canned tomatoes.

Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild spice level from the chili powder. To make it spicier, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. To reduce the spice, use less chili powder or omit it entirely.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure your Instant Pot is large enough and does not exceed the “Max” line. Adjust cooking times as needed.

How can I serve this to kids?

Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream to balance any spices. Pair it with a piece of crusty bread or crackers for a fun and filling meal.

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Hearty Chili Soup Recipe – A robust and filling soup packed with ground meat, beans, and a rich tomato base with a touch of spice.

Classic Egg Drop Soup – A simple and silky Chinese soup with ribbons of egg swirled into a delicate, savory broth.

Easy Canned Salmon Soup – A quick and nutritious soup made with flaky canned salmon, potatoes, and a creamy broth.

Refreshing Watermelon Gazpacho – A chilled summer soup blending juicy watermelon, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs for a light and hydrating dish.

Traditional Russian Solyanka Soup Recipe – A tangy and hearty soup featuring smoked meats, pickles, and a tomato-based broth for a classic Eastern European flavor.

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