Instant Pot Mexican Lentil Soup
By the Gracious Vegan
There’s nothing so comforting as a thick lentil soup. Add favorite Mexican spices and you’ve taken comforting to a new level. You could add extra vegetables to this soup (potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach [add with the cilantro and lime juice]). Combine it with a salad and baked potatoes, rice, or whole grain flour tortillas, and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal. For more lentil soup recipes, see below the recipe.
See stovetop directions at bottom
Makes about 9 cups (6 servings)
Add the following ingredients to the Instant Pot.
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced or diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if available)
1 can (4 ounces) mild green chiles (undrained)
1.25 cups brown lentils
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 bay leaves
1 Tablespoon chili powder (you could include some chipotle powder or ancho chili powder)
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Close the lid. Move the valve to “Sealing.” Program the Instant Pot to “Manual,” “Pressure Cook,” or “High” for 10 minutes, with 10-minute quick release.
After opening the Instant Pot, add the following ingredients and stir to combine. Adjust seasonings (e.g., more lime, more cilantro, more chili powder, salt) and serve.
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 teaspoons lime juice (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
If you want a creamier soup, pulse it a few times with an immersion (stick) blender.
Optional garnishes:
Additional chopped cilantro
Avocado slices
Tortilla chips (baked are healthiest)
Sliced green onions
Sliced jalapeños
Stovetop directions
Stovetop directions: Increase the water to 6.5 cups. Put everything together (except the cilantro, lime juice, and salt) in a soup pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the pot all the way or partway, and simmer for 45 minutes. When done, add the cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
More lentil soups!
Timing: Between 45 and 60 minutes
Gluten-free