Instant Pot Broccoli Lentil Soup

Okay, before you start reading this post/recipe let me ask you something first – do you own this magic pot – Instant Pot yet?

If not, PLEASE get one. “I’m serious, no kidding.”

Whether you are a stay-at-home-mom or a working mom or a chef, you need an Instant Pot in your life. The instant pot has made our life so much easier. 

Many recipes that used to take a tremendous amount of time can now be left to cook in an Instant Pot at home. It reduces cooking time significantly and provides hassle-free cooking.

The best part – no need to watch the pot and once the cooking cycle finishes (or the timer goes off), Instant Pot will automatically go into the “Keep-Warm” mode. Come back later to check on your delicious meal.

It’s that simple. It’s one of my favorite appliances in the kitchen.

Besides rice and pasta, Instant Pot has made many soups a very feasible choice for dinner, and today, I have just the one for you! A comforting, filling one-pot Instant Pot Broccoli Lentil Soup.

This delicious soup is one of the healthiest soups I make for my family. It is made up of simple ingredients and pantry staples.

On top of that, this recipe is perfect for all diets, it is:

• gluten-free,
• nut-free,
• vegan, and
• detoxifying.

It’s the perfect pick for the entire family. As a bonus, if cooked in an Instant Pot, this delicious soup comes together in less than 30 minutes and is one of my current favorites. 

WHAT MAKES UP THIS Instant Pot Broccoli Lentil Soup?

Lentils – Many people consider lentils as dull, tasteless legumes. But trust me, there are so many reasons to love lentils. They –

• cooks up quickly
• super-affordable
• rich source of protein, fiber, and iron
• easily digestible
• unlike beans, doesn’t require soaking
• is nutrient-rich and low in calories.

So many reasons to love these earthy flavored legumes. Incorporate them on a regular basis in your weekday meals for a clean-eating dinner.

Broccoli – This super vegetable is an excellent source of iron and also contains lots of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It clears your body of excess heat and can improve your vision too!

Carrots – is a rich source of Vitamin A and can improve your vision. It’s perfect for your eyes. Besides Vit.A, it also provides other vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It aids in digestion and helps to detoxify the body.

Celery – is mainly water but an excellent source of Vitamin K, A, fiber, and folate. This healthy vegetable also helps in lowering blood pressure. So start adding celery to your dishes!

Spices – My lentil soup seasoned with few of my favorite spices like – crushed red pepper flakes, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt add flavor and takes the soup to a whole new level. 

There are no particular steps involved in this soup. It is like a ‘SET-IT’ and ‘FORGET-It’ kind of meal. Begin by sauteeing onion-ginger-garlic in the ‘SAUTE’ mode for a couple of minutes. Toss in your veggies and cook for 3-4 minutes. 

Now add lentils, spices, water/broth and watch the Instant Pot create a beautiful meal for you. 

Once the timer goes off, wait for 2 minutes and then release the pressure. When you take off the lid, your soup will be thick. Celery, broccoli, and carrots will quickly break down during pressure cooking. Hand-blend the soup with a spoon. 

Adjust the consistency as necessary by adding more water, and be sure to adjust the seasonings too. Note that this soup will thicken as it cools.  Squeeze a generous amount of lemon for bright, fresh flavor and serve hot.