Add Preferred SourceThis curried lentil soup is a simple and hearty dish that is packed with flavors. It is made with simple ingredients and uses warming spices. Made in the
Why you will love this recipe?
- Quick and easy: This vegan curry lentil soup recipe is easy to make and can be put together in just 30 minutes with just 5 minutes of hands-on time.
- Comfort food: With its warm and hearty nature,
Instant Pot lentil soup is the ideal comfort food, perfect for cold days or when you crave something soothing and satisfying. - Freezer-friendly: This curry lentil soup freezes well, enabling you to prepare a large batch and save portions for later consumption, making it an easy option for meal prepping.
Ingredients
Dry lentils: I use brown lentils or green lentils to make curried lentil soup.
Spices: I am using curry powder and paprika. You can adjust the amount of curry powder depending on your preference.
Tomatoes: I am using canned tomatoes; however, they can be replaced with fresh tomatoes.
See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
Variations
Add different vegetables: You can add any vegetables that you like to this delicious curry lentil soup. Some good options are carrots, celery, potatoes, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, or broccoli.
Use various kinds of lentils: There are many different types of lentils that can be used to make curry lentil soup. Each one has a different flavor and texture. Red lentils and yellow lentils will break down and thicken the soup, while green lentils, black lentils, and brown lentils will retain their shape.
Make it creamy: Puree a portion of the cooked curry lentil soup using an immersion blender or regular blender to create a creamy texture while leaving the remaining lentils and vegetables whole for added texture.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Set the
Step 2: Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Saute them for 4-5 minutes (images 2 and 3).
Step 3: Add the crushed tomatoes, lentils, curry powder, salt, and ground black pepper (image 4).
Step 4: Add the stock and mix well. Deglaze the pot to remove any brown bits (image 5).
Step 5: Secure the lid and set the
Step 6: Do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Top with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and cilantro (images 7 and 8).
Expert Tips
Before cooking, rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any dust or debris.
In my recipe, I am using homemade curry powder, which is relatively mild. Adjust the amount of curry powder depending on your preference. You can also add chili powder or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
If you're adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, do so towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant color.
What to serve with curried lentil soup?
Naan or bread: Naan is a delicious and versatile bread that can be served with a variety of dishes, including this thick and creamy curried lentil soup. A crusty sourdough bread is a classic accompaniment to curried lentil soup. I also like to pair it with seeded sourdough bread and this cheddar cheese quick bread.
Rice: Plain steamed rice or flavored rice is another good option to serve with curry lentil soup. Pair it with brown rice, basmati rice, saffron rice, or cumin rice.
Roasted vegetables: Serve this curry lentil soup with a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal. Try this roasted cauliflower, roasted pumpkins, or roasted bell peppers.
Recipe FAQs
You can store this Instant Pot lentil soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months. To refrigerate, let it cool, transfer to an airtight container. For freezing, cool, place in a container with 1-inch headspace, label with the date, and freeze. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, and serve.
If you want a thicker consistency, use less broth or water when initially cooking the soup, and simmer it uncovered after pressure cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, after cooking, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some lentils and vegetables intact for texture. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more liquid gradually until it reaches your desired thickness.
No, soaking dry lentils is not necessary for making soup. Unlike some other legumes, lentils cook relatively quickly and do not require soaking. Simply rinse and pick through them to remove any debris before adding them directly to your soup recipe.
Do the initial sauteing in a separate pan, then transfer them, along with the spices, lentils, tomatoes, and broth, to the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the lentils are fully cooked.
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Recipe card
Curried Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry lentils (brown or green)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large carrot chopped
- 2 celery ribs chopped
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- ½ lemon
- ¼ cup cilantro (optional)
Spices:
- 2 tablespoon curry powder use store-bought or homemade curry powder (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust as per taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot in saute mode and add olive oil. Add the minced garlic and saute for one minute.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Saute them for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, lentils, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the stock and mix well. Deglaze the pot to remove any brown bits.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 18 minutes.
- Do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Top with lemon juice and cilantro.
- Serve warm with crusty bread.
Sharon says
Nothing beats a comforting bowl of lentil soup! This recipe turned out perfect and I love having another instant pot recipe to rely on. Thanks!
Sage Scott says
Lentils are an affordable way to consume more plant-based protein, so I'm actively trying recipes to get more in my diet. This soup was flavorful and delicious. I can see us making it once a week as the weather turns cold.
Emilie says
Always love a good excuse to use my instant pot. My husband loves curry so this a great recipe to have in our rotation. Thanks for the helpful tips!!
Lisa says
This soup was so filling and quick to make. It's a new go-to for fast meals. Tastes great too!
Devy says
I made this last night at last minute decision because I was running late in making dinner. I had it with rice and yogurt raita. It was delicious. My boys loved it too, though they had it with naan bread 🙂
Rachna says
This lentil soup reminded me of my favourite masoor dal. I added some more veggies to this and it was a light meal. I served with rice. So easy and tasty.
Jessica says
Thank you for getting me back in the swing of lentil soup! I used to make this all the time but stopped for quite awhile. Now, with the Instant Pot, I feel like it's way easier and have it back in our weekly routine.
Jenny says
My daughter is obsessed with lentils. This soup sounds delicious!! I love how many vegetables are in this. I love to use my Instant Pot for easy dinners, we are going to have to try this out. !
Rose says
I just bought my Instant pot and was happy to try this lentil soup recipe. It was super hearty and delicious.
Claire says
WOW!!
This had so much flavor and was so easy to make!
We had it for dinner over two nights and everyone loved it. The first night I had a bit of extra time so I made some naan bread to go with the soup. But the second night we just had dinner rolls with it.
So good and so delicious. I'll be making this again for sure!
Chichi says
Tasty lentil soup. I love how this cooked up nice and easy in the instant pot. Definitely recommend.
Sue says
Delicious soup and I love that I can make it in my Instant Pot!
Anne says
This was a rich, warm lentil soup, and I love how it was ready fast in the instant pot. I made a big pot and we ate it for lunch all week.
Ksenia says
Your lentil soup recipe is an absolute winner! The aromatic blend of Indian spices and the hearty goodness of lentils create a bowl of comfort that's both nutritious and incredibly flavorful. Your easy-to-follow instructions made the cooking process a breeze, and the end result was a hit with my family. Thank you for sharing this delightful recipe that's now a staple in our home – it's a wonderful taste of Indian cuisine made simple and delicious!