Tri-colored Sprouted Lentil Soup is the yummiest & healthiest Vegetarian soup made with dried sprouted lentils and some vegetables and flavorings in Instant Pot. This lentils soup doesn't require a whole lot of ingredients and is easy to make.
The best part of making Lentil Soup is you can make it with any lentils. You can use different vegetables it to create different variations of it. I usually prefer making this soup with red or green lentils. But in the recipe given below, I'm using sprouted lentils. As the lentils are sprouted, hence this soup is super healthy.
This is an easy recipe to make for a busy weeknight dinner. Super healthy and rich in flavors, it also
INGREDIENTS TO USE
- LENTILS: This is the main ingredient for making the recipe. You can add any lentils for making this recipe. I have made with red lentils, yellow lentils, green lentils, kidney beans, and now with tri-colored sprouted lentils.
- VEGETABLES: You can add any number of vegetables to make it healthier. I add onions, celery, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, etc. You can include more vegetables based on your taste & preferences.
- FLAVORINGS: This gives actual flavor to the dish. I like adding some whole spices (Bay Leaf, Cinnamon), or spices (turmeric powder, cumin powder, garam masala, curry powder, etc.) or any other seasonings you prefer.
- CREAM: This is optional but if you like to be extra creamy, you can add it. I personally don't like adding cream to lentil soup, but it's totally based on your taste.
- QUINOA: I only add this for some extra protein and also gives a nice texture to the soup. Lentils are already rich in protein, but being a vegetarian I like adding more protein to the food.
- LEMON JUICE: Although lemon juice is not required but gives a nice flavor to the overall taste.
SOME VARIATION YOU CAN TRY IN LENTILS SOUP
- LENTILS: You can use any lentils you like in the soup . I have use sprouted lentils but regular lentils will also work. You can use red lentils or yellow or green in the recipe.
- STOCK/ WATER: Adding stock in the recipe will result in more flavorful & a healthier soup. But water also works just fine.
- VEGETABLES: If you soup to be more filling & healthier then do add 1 cup of chopped veggies. I like to add zucchini, french beans, corns, etc in the soup.
- ADD-INS: You can add butter & cream to make the soup creamier. But if you want healthy soup then you skip it.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING LENTILS SOUP
STEP 1 - SAUTE VEGGIES: First Saute the veggies (onion, celery, and carrots) until soft & tender. Then add fresh or canned tomatoes and any other veggies (if needed).
STEP 2 - ADD LENTILS: Add lentils and stock and pressure cook the lentils. Depending on the lentils you're using, time may vary.
STEP 3 - STIR & SERVE: Once pressure is released stir until well combined. Adjust the seasoning and serve hot.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Lentil Soup good for you?
Consuming Lentils is super healthy and beneficial. Eating plant-based foods is great for the heart. Lentils are rich source of protein. And being high in fiber, they also help in weight control. Lentils are easy to make and have many nutritional benefits. They also help in balancing digestive problems and promote other health benefits too.
How long can I store Lentil Soup?
Most Lentil Soups can last for a week in a refrigerator. But if you have leftover soup and you don't think you can finish in that time frame, then you can freeze it too. Freezing could increase the time frame to months.
The frozen soup won't lose the texture or taste. But don't freeze the soup that has cream in it. It's best to add the cream only in the soup you are going to eat soon. You can freeze the rest of the leftover soup that has no cream in it.
Do I need to Cook lentils before adding to Soup?
The best part of making Tri-colored Sprouted Lentil Soup is that lentils are easy to make. You don't need a lot of cooking that is required in other soups. Though you need to soak & rinse the lentils before cooking.
Some lentils can easily be made in under 2-3 minutes of pressure cook time in an Instant Pot. To enjoy lentil soup, lentils need to be cooked properly, so I prefer to cook for 20 minutes using the
TRI-COLORED SPROUTED LENTIL SOUP
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive OIl
- 1 small Onion chopped
- 2 stalks Celery chopped
- 2 Carrots chopped
- 1 Cup Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 cup Vegetables like french beans, corns, etc.
- 1 Cup Sprouted Lentils soaked & rinsed
- 5 Cups Vegetable Stock/ Water
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasonings
- Salt
- 2 tablespoon lemon Juice
Instructions
HOW TO MAKE LENTILS SOUP IN AN INSTANT POT
- Press Saute and oil in the instant Pot. When oil is hot then add onion, carrots, celery and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft & tender.
- Add diced tomatoes to the pot and add vegetables and stir until combined. Then add rinsed lentils along with stock/ water in the pot. Add Bay leaf & salt to it and Italian seasonings & stir.
- Close lid, with vent in the sealing position pressure cook using Soup setting for 15 minutes followed by NPR.
- When pressure is released and valve goes down, open lid and mix everything properly.
- Transfer soup in the soup bowl and sprinkle some lemon juice and serve with your favorite bread.
HOW TO MAKE LENTIL SOUP ON STOVE-TOP:
- At medium heat, add oil in the stove-top pressure cooker. When oil is hot then add onion, carrots, celery and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft & tender.
- Add diced tomatoes to the pot and add vegetables and stir until combined. Then add rinsed lentils along with stock/ water in the pot. Add Bay leaf & salt to it and Italian seasonings & stir.
- Close the lid and pressure cook for 7 whistles at medium-high heat. Let the pressure release naturally and then open the lid. When pressure is released and valve goes down, open lid and mix everything properly.
- Transfer soup in the soup bowl and sprinkle some lemon juice and serve with your favorite bread.
Notes
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