Instant Pot Lentil Soup

If you are looking for a healthy, hearty, filling soup - it doesn’t get much better than this! Lentils are a superfood! They are part protein, part carb and full of fiber and beneficial vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that stave off disease. They are good for cholesterol, blood sugar control and weight management. You’ve probably heard of the benefits of plant-based proteins in the diet. Lentils are one of those beneficial plant-based proteins. Not only are plant-based proteins good for you - they are easier for your kidneys to process- but eating more of them is better for the environment as well, because they take less resources to grow than meat. This recipe is based off of a similar recipe on Wellplated.com

Serves: 6-8
Time: 15-20 mins prep, 30-40 mins cook time

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Ingredients

• 2 TBS olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced into small pieces
• 4 medium carrots (or about 1/2-3/4 of a 1 lb bag of baby carrots)
• 3 celery stalks
• 1 tsp ground thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups green lentils
• 4 teaspoons garlic in water
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• Saltine crackers or toasted bread (optional side)
• Crumbled bacon (optional topping)

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Method

1. Sauté the Onion: Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and set to sauté mode. Once the oil is heated up, add the onion and cook (stirring frequently) until translucent and beginning to brown, about 8 mins.
2. Add Veggies and Seasonings: While the onion is cooking, cut up the carrots and celery into small pieces. Add the carrots, celery, thyme, salt, paprika, and pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for about 2-3 mins.
3. Add Lentils, Garlic, and Liquids: Add the lentils and garlic to the pot and stir to combine all ingredients well. Let cook for about a minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Then add both cans of tomatoes and the vegetable broth.
4. Pressure Cook: Put the cover on the Instant Pot and seal the valve. Then set to cook on high pressure in the soup mode for 15 mins. After the cooking, allow the cooker to release pressure naturally for 10-15 mins.
5. Release Pressure and Serve: Release the rest of the steam from the valve and then stir the soup. Serve with saltine crackers or toasted bread. If desired, crumble bacon on top for extra flavor.