Hearty Pressure Cooker Lentil & Spinach Soup
Discover the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this Hearty Pressure Cooker Lentil & Spinach Soup. Packed with nutrient-dense lentils, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of aromatic spices, this soup is not only filling but incredibly easy to prepare in a fraction of the time compared to traditional recipes. Using high-quality vegetable broth, such as Pacific Foods mushroom broth for a meaty depth, infuses each bowl with a deliciously savory flavor. The optional addition of fresh spinach adds a boost of iron and color, making this dish both a feast for the eyes and a nourishment for the body. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal prep, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/2 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
carrots
2 (chopped)
celery ribs
2 (chopped)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
vegetable broth
8 cups
dry lentils
1 cup (rinsed and picked)
bay leaves
2
fresh spinach
5 ounces (washed and trimmed (optional))
salt
(to taste)
fresh ground pepper
(to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by setting your pressure cooker to the sauté mode. Add olive oil and let it heat up before adding the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
2
Next, incorporate the chopped carrots and celery into the pot. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are slightly softened.
3
Sprinkle the ground cumin over the sautéed vegetables, stirring to coat evenly and allowing the spices to bloom for about 1 minute.
4
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils along with the bay leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Close the lid of the pressure cooker, ensuring the pressure valve is sealed. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook for 20 minutes.
6
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully follow your pressure cooker's quick release method to release the pressure or allow it to depressurize naturally.
7
After all the steam has escaped, open the lid and discard the bay leaves. If using, stir in the fresh spinach until just wilted; the residual heat from the soup will be sufficient.
8
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper as desired.
9
Serve warm, enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this lentil soup hearty?
The soup is hearty due to the nutrient-dense lentils, vibrant vegetables, and the savory depth provided by the vegetable broth.
Is this Hearty Pressure Cooker Lentil & Spinach Soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses olive oil and vegetable broth instead of animal-based products.
How long do the lentils need to cook in the pressure cooker?
The lentils should be cooked on high pressure for 20 minutes.
What type of broth is recommended for a meaty depth?
Pacific Foods mushroom broth is recommended for adding a meaty depth to the soup.
How much vegetable broth is required for this recipe?
You will need 8 cups of vegetable broth.
When should I add the fresh spinach?
Stir in the fresh spinach after the pressure has been released and the lid is opened; the residual heat will wilt it.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No soaking is required, but you should rinse and pick through the dry lentils before adding them to the pot.
Which spices are used in this soup?
The soup is seasoned with ground cumin, bay leaves, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the first step in preparing the soup?
Begin by setting your pressure cooker to sauté mode and heating the olive oil.
How many carrots and celery ribs are needed?
You will need 2 chopped carrots and 2 chopped celery ribs.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
What does blooming the spices mean?
It involves stirring the cumin into the sautéed vegetables for about 1 minute to enhance its aromatic flavor.
Can I use a quick release method for the pressure cooker?
Yes, you can follow your cooker's quick release method or allow it to depressurize naturally.
Is the spinach mandatory for this recipe?
No, the addition of 5 ounces of fresh spinach is optional.
How many bay leaves should I add?
The recipe requires 2 bay leaves, which should be discarded after cooking.
What kind of oil should be used?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the vegetables.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this soup is perfect for cozy meal prep or busy weeknights.
How many lentils are used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of dry lentils.
What size onion is required?
You should use 1/2 of a large onion, chopped.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the soup at the end and adjust with salt and pepper as desired.
Does this soup provide iron?
Yes, the lentils and spinach provide a significant boost of iron.
How long do I sauté the carrots and celery?
Sauté the carrots and celery for an additional 2 to 3 minutes after the onions.
Is this recipe faster than traditional soup making?
Yes, using a pressure cooker allows the soup to prepare in a fraction of the time.
What should I do with the bay leaves after cooking?
You should discard the bay leaves before serving the soup.
Is the soup gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this soup is naturally gluten-free if the broth used is certified gluten-free.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for color, frozen spinach can be used if thawed and drained first.
What is the texture of the lentils after 20 minutes?
The lentils will be soft and tender, perfect for a hearty soup consistency.
How should the soup be served?
The soup should be served warm, right after wilting the spinach.