This Instant Pot Turmeric Lentil Soup is a vibrant vegan soup made with immunity-boosting turmeric that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
How to make this recipe
- Add everything to the Instant Pot in order except the spinach and lemon juice.
- Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Do a quick release of the steam.
- Stir in the spinach and lemon juice.
- Serve and enjoy!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Olive oil – or any other neutral cooking oil like canola or avocado oil.
- Onions – you can use yellow or white onions.
- Carrots – parsnip has a similar texture but a slightly different taste.
- Celery – double up on the carrots or leave them out altogether.
- Garlic – jarred garlic or garlic powder would work in a pinch.
- Ginger – you can also try using ground ginger if you don’t have any fresh ginger.
- Coconut milk – substitute for light coconut milk if you want to cut the calories or try soy milk (although it won’t be as creamy).
- Can of diced tomatoes – you could also use freshly diced tomatoes, just make sure to add in the juices as well.
- Vegetable broth – for a non-vegan option, you can use chicken broth.
- Turmeric – saffron is an alternative, but is sweeter and doesn’t have the same healing properties as turmeric.
- Cumin – ground coriander would also work here.
- Salt & pepper – to taste.
- Red lentils – French or green lentils are another option.
- Spinach – any other greens will work like Swiss chard or mustard greens.
- Lemon juice – if you don’t have any lemon juice, you could also try lime juice.
How much turmeric to add to soup
You don’t need to add much turmeric to this soup to get all the benefits. One tablespoon is plenty – anything more might have an over-powering taste, so make sure not to overdo it. You’ll still get the same tablespoon from one tablespoon as you would from any more!
Is lentil soup good for you?
Yes! In addition to this soup being low in calories, the lentils are full of nutrients like calcium, iron and potassium. They’re also a great source of protein. Plus, this recipe includes turmeric, which can boost your immune system and provide a range of other health benefits.
What to serve with lentil soup
The lentils in this soup make it super filling so you can serve it on its own or as a side dish with sandwiches, wraps and salads. I like having it on its own on a chilly day with a piece of crusty bread!
Storing and reheating
You can store this soup in individual portions in the fridge up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 2-3 minutes. I prefer to use glass meal prep bowls to store the leftovers in because you can immediately reheat individual servings right from the fridge instead of having to portion out the food after the fact, however you can also store the leftovers in a large bowl with a lid.
Freezing this soup
You can freeze this soup up to 3 months as well! Simply store in individual portions and let defrost in the fridge overnight, or you can reheat in the microwave from frozen for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway through the reheat time.
More Instant Pot soup recipes
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- The Instant Pot DUO Plus is the version I use in this recipe.
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning this recipe into leftovers.
- Freeze this recipe in Souper Cubes for up to 3 months.
Instant Pot Turmeric Lentil Soup {Vegan}
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 (400mL) cans full fat coconut milk
- 1 (796mL) can diced tomatoes (in their juices)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 cups red lentils
- 4 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to Instant Pot in the order in which they are listed, except for spinach and lemon juice, making sure you add lentils last. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Instant Pot will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure. Do a quick release of steam then open lid when it's safe to do so.
- Stir in spinach and lemon juice, then serve and enjoy!
Video
Comments & Reviews
MCW says
So tasty! My husband said he could become a vegetarian if all the recipes weee this good.
Taylor Stinson says
Aww thank you so much! What a great review!
Heather says
OMG- this is the most amazing soup- I didn’t have turmeric or cumin or ginger, so I used old bay seasoning. I’m sharing it with everyone I know now! I know this will be a favourite in my family. Thanks and kudos for an amazing recipe!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy it’s going to be a favourite of yours 🙂 Thanks for the kind words!
Bec says
Can I leave the oil out and use extra water instead?
Taylor Stinson says
I haven’t tried it but it might work. You may deal with the soup sticking to the pot.
Elfie Schumacher says
I just made this and it’s delicious!! Thank you so much 🍒
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Elfie Schumacher says
Hi, is it a tbsp fresh turmeric or dried? I’d like to make this soon it sounds delicious, thanks!
Taylor Stinson says
It is 1 tbsp dried but you could also use fresh in place.
Madison says
Loving this with the green goddess grilled cheese! I took out the carrots and loaded it up with kale instead of spinach. Also used a crockpot and it came out great!
Sof says
Is the recipe supposed to be cooked 30 minutes on high pressure? The directions say 3 minutes but at the info it says 30 minutes.
Taylor Stinson says
It is 3 minutes on high pressure. Sorry for any confusion!
Sara says
Heed attention to the instruction of adding the lentils last and DON’T stir it!
I stirred it and all the lentils settled in the bottom and burned 🥵
Jennifer says
Hi there,
Excited to make this, but I don’t have an instant pot. Can I use a crock pot?
Taylor Stinson says
Yes you should be able to add everything and cook on low for 8 hours 🙂
Cat says
Do I have to cook the lentils prior to adding to crockpot? And do I still need to keep the lentils on top? And add spinach at the end?
Taylor Stinson says
No you do not need to cook them or worry about keeping them on top. And yes, you add spinach at the end!
Lori says
Absolutely delicious. This is by far my favorite soup
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy it’s a hit!