Imagine a soul-warming, incredibly delicious soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience in just 30 minutes! This Instant Pot Red Lentil Curry Soup is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of Indian-inspired flavors, nutritious ingredients, and lightning-fast preparation that will make you look like a kitchen superhero. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of rinsed red lentils, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and salt to taste.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Once it’s hot, add a splash of oil (such as olive or coconut oil) to the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Stir in the minced garlic and curry powder, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes. This will help release the flavors of the garlic and spices.
- Next, add the rinsed red lentils to the pot, stirring to combine them with the onion, garlic, and curry mixture.
- Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice). Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed.
- Season the mixture with salt to taste, keeping in mind that the broth may already contain salt.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the steam release valve is set to 'Sealing'.
- Switch the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes, then carefully switch the steam release valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Check the consistency; if you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a bit more vegetable broth or water.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or curry powder according to your taste.
- Serve the red lentil curry soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always thoroughly rinse red lentils before cooking to remove any dust or debris, which helps improve the soup's texture and flavor.
- Spice Customization: While the recipe calls for curry powder, don't be afraid to experiment! Try adding garam masala, turmeric, or a pinch of cayenne for extra depth.
- Liquid Consistency: Red lentils absorb liquid quickly, so keep extra vegetable broth on hand to adjust the soup's thickness to your preference.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your soup with toppings like a dollop of Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep.
- Instant Pot Pro Tip: Always ensure your steam release valve is properly set to prevent pressure cooking issues.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
