Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of comfort? Dive into the delightful flavors of our Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage and Spinach! This hearty dish is not only packed with protein and nutrients but also comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Imagine the tantalizing aroma of savory sausage mingling with tender lentils and fresh spinach wafting through your kitchen—your family will be begging for seconds! Don't miss out on this easy, delicious recipe that will leave everyone asking for your secret!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced onion
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb of sliced sausage, 1 cup of lentils, 2 cups of spinach, 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of diced onion, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the 'Sauté' function. Allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot is hot, add the sliced sausage to the pot. Sauté the sausage for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced onion and carrots to the pot with the sausage. Continue to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cumin, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent any sticking.
- Add the lentils to the pot, followed by the 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the 'Sealing' position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' function and set the timer for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir in the 2 cups of spinach. Allow the residual heat to wilt the spinach for about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Serve the lentil soup hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with additional spinach or a sprinkle of cumin for extra flavor. Enjoy your hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage and Spinach!
Tips
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: For a flavor boost, opt for spicy or smoked sausage to add depth to your soup. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Rinse Lentils: Always rinse your lentils before adding them to the pot to remove any dust or debris. This simple step can enhance the overall taste of your soup.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or celery to increase the nutritional value and flavor profile of your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the lentils after cooking and return it to the pot. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper at the end of cooking to suit your taste. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or bay leaves for added flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep!
- Garnish for Flair: Consider topping your soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
