Easy Lentil and Rice Soup Made in the Instant Pot®
A comforting soup is a simple and hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and your Instant Pot®, you’ll have a warm, flavorful dish ready in no time.
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time35 min
Total Time50 min
Difficulty
Medium
Simple Cooking Tips
Rinse the lentils and rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
Use broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing to keep the lentils tender.
Ingredients
0/14
What Makes This Recipe So Good
This soup is hearty and nutritious, combining protein-rich lentils with comforting rice. It’s perfect for busy days since it cooks quickly in the Instant Pot®. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices and vegetables.
Step 1
Soak the lentils and rice in enough cold water to cover them for about 30 minutes. Once they’ve soaked, give them a good rinse and drain well, then set them aside.
Step 2
Turn your Instant Pot on to the sauté setting and heat up a bit of oil. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion, and cook them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, toss in the coriander, salt, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and chili powder, stirring everything together.
Step 3
Add the drained lentils and rice to the pot, then pour in the water and stir in the lemon zest. Lock the lid in place and set your pressure cooker to high pressure for 12 minutes. It’ll take around 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up.
Step 4
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes before carefully opening the lid. Give the soup a good stir, then mix in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, and it’s ready to serve!
113
people cooked this recipe
ByDaniel Wilson
Daniel focuses on practical recipes with clear steps and familiar ingredients.
Serving Guide
Serve this soup hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Adding a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors.
Leftover Storage Guide
Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip soaking the lentils and rice before cooking?
Soaking helps reduce cooking time and improves texture, but you can skip it if short on time. Just increase the cooking time slightly.
What can I use instead of yellow lentils?
Red or green lentils are good substitutes, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use an Instant Pot for this recipe?
No, you can make it on the stove, but cooking times will be longer and you’ll need to monitor the pot more closely.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, feel free to add veggies like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers according to your taste.
How spicy is this soup?
It has a mild heat from the chili powder, which you can reduce or omit if you prefer less spice.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
What if my soup is too thick after cooking?
Simply stir in a little more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and may change the texture slightly.
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