Double the lentils; Double the flavor in this easy and delicious Instant Pot lentil soup recipe. Of course it can be made on the stove top if you don’t own an Instant Pot pressure cooker.
This time of the year, homemade soup is pure comfort food in a bowl. Enjoy this healthy lentil soup with a salad and some bread (GF ) for a warming cozy meal.
Nutrient-packed, fiber-rich, low in fat, and most importantly high in protien, this plant-based lentil soup is satisfying and delicious.
The beauty of this recipe is to unite both red and brown lentils to get a soothing flavor. I also use a variety of vegetables and my secret ingredient- a jar of salsa which is simply made up of tomatoes, garlic, peppers, onions, and a little hot stuff- which blend perfectly with the flavor of lentils. You decide if you want to use mild, medium, or hot salsa!!!
Tastes great, can be kept in the refrigerator up to 5 days, and is a wonderful starter for any meal. A simple fusion of flavors that meet gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and parve standards. A soup everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of red lentils ( washed and cleaned)
- 3/4 cup of brown lentils (washed and cleaned)
- 2 med-large white potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of sliced or chopped carrots
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped bite size
- 1 16 ounce jar of organic chunky salsa
- 1 16 ounce jar of water (use the empty salsa jar)
- 1 32 ounce container of vegetable broth (about 4 and 1/2 cups)
- ( my favorite vegetable broth is Tabatcnicks)
Directions:
Place all of the ingredients in the Instant Pot liner. Secure the lid, set to pressure cook for 16 minutes. When done, allow to sit for 5 minutes then release pressure manually according to manufacturing directions. When all steam is released, carefully open the lid.
Red vs. Brown Lentils
Flavor, Texture, and Cooking Differences
- Red lentils are sweeter and milder in flavor, and they cook much faster, usually breaking down into a soft, mushy texture, which makes them great for thickening soups and stews.
- Brown lentils, on the other hand, have an earthier, slightly peppery taste and hold their shape better during cooking, offering a firmer, more hearty texture. Because of this, brown lentils are perfect for dishes where you want distinct lentils to stand out, while red lentils are ideal for smooth, comforting blends.
- Combining both red and brown lentils creates a balanced soup with a mix of flavors and textures, making it both satisfying and hearty.
It’s been cooler in South Florida with morning temps around 49 degrees ( it goes up to the sunny low 70’s during the day) . I heard it will be back to 80 in a few days.
I really don’t need an excuse to make and eat soup, but the cooler temperatures coaxed me a little.
For an incredible selection of easy, healthy, homemade soup recipes read a sample of my soups cookbook on Amazon and see if you might like to buy a copy for yourself or for a gift. Link: plant-based soups cookbook 
Click on link to go to Amazon to see inside my book : plant-based soups cookbook (affiliate link to Amazon)
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