INSTANT POT VEGAN HERBED FRENCH LENTIL SOUP

Instant Pot Vegan Herbed French Lentil Soup image

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion (diced (about 1 cup))
2 medium carrots (peeled and diced (about 1/2 cup))
1 stalk celery (diced (about 1/4 cup))
2 medium cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 pound red potatoes (cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 3 cups))
1 cup French green lentils (rinsed)
2 tablespoons fresh minced tarragon
2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
The juice of half a lemon (1-2 tablespoons)

Steps:

Set Instant Pot to saute. Add olive oil. When warm, add onion, carrots, and celery along with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for one minute. Add the vegetable broth, potatoes, lentils, tarragon, parsley, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir.
Place lid on Instant Pot and make sure the release valve is in the "sealing" position. Press the "Manual" button (or "Pressure Cook" button on newer models) and set the timer for 10 minutes.
The Instant Pot will warm up for a few minutes and then begin cooking. After the time is up, quick-release by flipping the valve to "venting," being careful to avoid any steam burns.
When the venting is complete, remove the lid of the Instant Pot. Remove the thyme stems. Transfer two cups of soup to the pitcher of a blender and puree completely. Return to the Instant Pot. (This step is optional but recommended - it results in a creamy, extra-hearty soup).
Stir in the lemon, taste the soup, and add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with a few extra fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.