Instant Pot Broccoli Lentil Soup
A combination of lentil, fresh veggies, and spices makes up this hearty and healthy Instant Pot Broccoli Lentil Soup.
Pair this flavor-packed soup with some homemade bread for a wholesome meal tonight.
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 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 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 regularly 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.
How to make Broccoli Lentil Soup?
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. The veggies 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.
What to serve alongside this Soup?
This soup is loaded with essential nutrients and has a very delectable taste.
The occasional bits of carrots and broccoli lends a great texture to this soup.
I eat my soup with Garlic knots on the side, but my kids love to eat by dunking their knots in the soup until it soaks up the soup.
If you are thinking of serving this soup on any potluck or get-togethers, then double the recipe as this soup will disappear even before you know it!
Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe. Feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries, and I would be happy to answer them.
CRAVING FOR MORE, TRY THESE OTHER Instant Pot soups!
Instant Pot Broccoli Lentil Soup
INGREDIENTS
FOR SOUP
- 1 small Onion, cubed
- 2 cloves of Garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, crushed
- 4 stalks of Celery, diced
- 8 small Baby carrots, cubed
- 1 cup Washed broccoli florets
- 1½ cups Red Lentils
- ½ teaspoon Crushed red chili flakes adjust according to taste
- 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon Freshly crushed Black pepper
- 5 cups Water or Vegetable stock
- - - Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
GARNISHES
- - - Chili flakes
- - - Chopped cilantro leaves
FINISH WITH
- - - Fresh squeeze of lemon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Set it aside.
- Drizzle oil into the Instant Pot. Set it to SAUTE. Once the oil is hot, add onions, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook onions, garlic, and ginger stirring often, until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in celery, carrots, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets.
- Add lentils to the pot and stir to combine with the veggies.
- Add turmeric, cumin, black pepper, red chili, and salt. Pour 5-6 cups of water/veg stock. Make sure everything is covered under water.
- Cover, and seal the Instant Pot. Cancel the 'Saute' mode. Select 'Manual' mode and then set to cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once 5 minutes are done, wait for 2 minutes then release the pressure. Open the lid and stir the soup.
- Hand blend the soup with a spatula. If the soup is too thick for your liking, add ¼ cup of water or stock until you reach your desired consistency.
- I prefer a thick and hearty soup that's the reason I have hand blended my soup but feel free to use an immersion blender to blend your soup.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with a sprinkle of red chili flakes and chopped cilantro leaves. Also, squeeze a generous amount of lemon for bright, fresh flavor.
If you had told me a couple of months ago that I would be going crazy for a soup made primarily out of Lentils and Broccoli Florets… I would have told you you were nuts! I had this at a neighborhood party and EVERYONE was raving about it. This recipe caused me to go out and purchase a Insta Pot of my own.
You’ve created a monster…..oh, and I made the garlic knots to go with it
That's awesome! So glad you liked the recipe.
We have made this soup probably at least 50 times now, and thought I should finally review!! One of my favorite soups ever. 🙂 I usually don't sauté, just throw everything in, and it still turns out great!
Yay! So glad you liked the recipe, this is the easiest soup and my favorite too.
Thank you, Leanna!
Greetings to you!
I am wondering, if I use chana dal, would I need to soak it first to lessen cooking time? I bet the chena dal would be very, very hardy. Would you have any idea? Any information will be very appreciated. Thank you, take care...
Hello Laura,
Thank you! Chana dal would taste amazing but would require prior soaking before you add it along with other ingredients. Also, it will not blend in the soup like the red lentils; it will become soft but retain its shape after being cooked.
could i use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh ones? maybe I could stir them in after the lentils are cooked so that they dont get too slushy? t looks a great recpe. Many thanks!
Eve, you most certainly can use frozen broccoli florets and end it towards the end.
Thank you!
Made this using chickpeas instead of lentils, added a sad-looking tomato from bottom of the veg drawer. the suggested spice blend is delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Pleasure is all mine; thank you for sharing your experience and variations with me.
So glad you liked the recipe.
I have had to recently go on vegan diet & it has been saving my life , however it's been so hard to find recipes & places to eat because vegan doesn't mean fried french fries lol or unhealthy salads & fake meats full of salts & weird ingredients. Thank you for posting this recipe I just made it for dinner & for the next 2 days meals .it looks and taste fabolous & I am very greatful to have found it 🙂
Glad you found teh recipe helpful, Lisa!
Thank you for the lovely feedback. 😊
Wow, this is a wonderful meal in a bowl! I have a programmable crock pot with no manual setting so I chose the risotto setting which was 12 min, worked perfectly! I made a few modification, added a few parsnips and 2 cups of broccoli, decreased the red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp and the full 6 cups of vegetable broth and it was absolutely delicious! We will make this a regular addition to our vegan recipes. Thank you so much for this recipe and your wonderful easy to follow directions. I’ll be making more of your recipes for sure!
YAY! Sandra, so glad you enjoyed the soup. It's my all-time favorite.
As I read through the modifications, I love them all - what a healthy twist.
And thank you for your kind words. 😊
If I were to pressure cook it, would that work? And for how many whistles? This looks fabulous Ruchi. Thank you for sharing step by step pictures as well. I throughly enjoy them ❤!
Thank you for kind words, Elza!
You can pressure cooker this recipe for 3 whistles.
Oh yum. This soup is so healthy and so full of nutrients. I love the addition of lentil and spices. Thanks for step by step instructions with pictures. Very helpful.
Pleasure is all mine.
Thanks for stopping by, Natalie!
Wow this recipe is definitely a winner, it is simple yet flavorful. Perfect for cold weather.
It sure is!
Thanks, Michelle. 🙂
Wow. If Michelle says it's good, it's good! Have to try it!
Thank you, Pat!
Please do give it a try and I hope you like it too. 😊
I STILL don't have an Instant Pot. I know, I KNOW. I added it to my wedding registry in the hopes that someone will take pity on my wildly behind self haha!
Leslie, you should get one SOON 😊
It's a life-changer!!
Im assuming i can use regular pot as well?
You most certainly can!
This looks so warm and hearty. Perfect comfort food meal for fall and I love that it all comes together in less than 30 minutes!
Yes, a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Thanks, Jenni.
I’m working on convincing my hubby that I need an instant pot. This soup will help!
Lorie, you should definitely get one.
It's a life-changing kitchen gadget. 🙂
I can totally imagine tucking into this soup with a hearty piece of bread! So much good stuff going on, especially the easy peasy instant pot. What a winner!
Instant Pot is a winner!
Thanks, Lauren.
I'm *obsessed* with my Instant Pot! This soup looks like total comfort food - great for the upcoming (hopefully!) cooler weather :). Lentils are so wonderful in soups, too - looks like a tasty combo!
Me too, I love my Instant Pot. 🙂
Thanks, Ashley! Yes, lentils taste really good in soups.
This soup looks fabulous! I love that you've used real, whole ingredients and no packaged stuff. This will be a great meal when the weather cools off.
I bet!
Thanks, Kim!
I will admit that I used to be an Instant Pot holdout. Then I bought one and I felt foolish that I hadn't bought one sooner! Your broccoli lentil soup looks so delicious and I can not wait to make it!
Agree, Instant Pot is a life saver!
Thanks, Elaine!
Just ordered my Instant Pot and cannot wait to make soups like this. Fall is right around the corner and this is on my list of must-make recipes.
Give Instant Pot a try and I am sure you will fall in love with it instantly.
Thanks, Judy!
This is the perfect comfort food for the cold weather season. Lentils are so hearty and delicious. Perfect to make a HUGE batch and tuck some in the freezer for another day.
Agree, a perfect leftover meal. Cook a big batch and enjoy it the next day. 🙂
Thanks, Gloria!
Yum! Yum! Yum! This is delicious and sooo healthy. I used half the crushed red pepper and it was hit enough for me. At serving, I added some tamari which spiced it up even more! It was very quick and easy in the instant pot, and it will satisfy in hot or cold weather. This is a keeper recipe!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Sarah!
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe. 🙂
Tamari sounds yum!!