Smoky Lentil and Potato Soup {Pressure Cooker or Stovetop}
Don’t discount this humble pressure cooker lentil potato soup – packed with flavor (that smoked paprika!), it is amazingly delicious and super simple!
There is literally no way to photograph and make lentil soup look as good as it tastes. But let me tell you, this smoky lentil potato soup is delicious, and it won over even my toughest skeptics.
Brian walked in from work the night I made this for the first time, and instantly, his face froze in skepticism.
I get it.
This isn’t the prettiest dish on the food market. And I don’t know what it is about lentils, but every time my family sees them on the menu plan (I swear, I’m going to start hiding the menu plan as to avoid preconceived notions), there’s a bit of moaning and groaning.
I happen to love the humble little legume, but it’s often a tough sell for the fam, especially if the entire dish is meatless.
So Brian walks in, looks skeptical (but is smart enough to know that if he utters even one naysaying word in front of the kids, those impressionable young souls, he’s sleeping on the couch for a month), and sits down at the table with a slightly sardonic smile on his face, saying “mmm, lentil soup, yum” while giving me the side eye.
You probably know where I’m going here. This simple lentil potato soup, with all the delicious flavor that smoked paprika (so key to this recipe) brings, was a smash hit.
Not only with Brian, but the kids loved it. Honestly, they loved it.
And I’m not going to lie: it’s sooooo ridiculously hard in these situations when, in the end, everyone is vying for seconds, for me not to gloat or offer a little lecture about quick assumptions or just adopt a very smug expression on my face for at least a day and a half.
I held myself back (this time).
My whole point is, this lentil potato soup is amazing! Not only does it cook for a short three minutes in the pressure cooker, but the flavor is incredible. And never fear, stovetop instructions included below!
The lovely red lentils basically melt into the soup while cooking so the end result is a thick, naturally creamy soup that is hearty, wholesome, and tasty.
A couple FYIs:
1)I have a beloved Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker) which is what I have used to make this soup; a stovetop pressure cooker (this is the one I have) or other electric model would work just as well. I’ve written more details about the ins and outs of pressure cooking here. And if you are interested in more pressure cooking recipes, I have a list of favorites here.
2)I found the red lentils in my grocery store’s bulk bin section; they are similar to these red lentils on Amazon, if you need a visual. These are the brown lentils I use.
This soup is going to be on repeat during the colder months ahead, especially since the leftovers are even better the next day (although still not pretty, JBHH*).
*Just Being Honest Here
What to Serve With This
- Fluffy Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls or My Favorite Cornbread
- Sliced cheese (sounds weird, but it’s delicious with this soup)
One Year Ago: Amazing Crustless Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
Two Years Ago: Pumpkin White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake {Egg-Free, Easily Gluten Free}
Three Years Ago: Creamy Confetti Corn with Bacon
Pressure Cooker Smoky Lentil and Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped yellow or white onion
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press
- ½ cup diced carrots, about 2 medium carrots
- ½ cup diced celery, about 2 stalks
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (I do not peel but you can if you want)
- 1 cup red lentils, sorted and rinsed (see note)
- 1 cup brown lentils, sorted and rinsed (see note)
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable stock or broth
- 8 to 10 ounces kale or spinach, chopped (optional but delicious)
Instructions
- In a stovetop or electric pressure cooker, heat the oil (use the Sauté function in the Instant Pot). Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add the cumin, paprika and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add the potatoes, lentils and stock or broth.
- Secure the lid on the pressure cooker. Cook at 3 minutes on high pressure. Quick release the pressure, unlock the lid, and stir in the kale or spinach, if using.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper (very important!) and serve. The soup will thicken a bit as it cools.
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: sent to me by a MKC reader, Laura A., similar to this recipe at Eat Within Your Means
Made it with adding a couple of sliced http://www.aidells.com/product/5 sausages, past prime mushrooms and a bit of cauliflower, but otherwise just as is. I put the kale in with everything else since it was a bit tough (Lacinto) and after 3 minutes let it natural release for 15 minutes. All lentils were tender – just the carrots were a bit mushy, I can’t wait for leftovers since most soups benefit from a day or two in the fridge! Get the best smoked paprika you can since some are kind of bland. Found mine in the bulk jars at HEB!
I absolutely loved this soup and have made it a few times. It’s very easy to add variations such as sweet potato or use black eyed peas (for New Years). Always turns out amazing. My kids love it as well!
Delicious. Lentils needed a few minutes more ( red lentils were fine, brown undercooked.) I halved the recipe, used 1/2 hot and 1/2 sweet smoked paprika and added a minced chili . Used home made stock and it didn’t need more salt than called for in your recipe. Thanks for posting!
I made this tonight, but used diced butternut squash instead of potatoes. It was delicious! We will definitely have this again.
I just made this and it was delicious.
Just made this, it’s delicious! I used green instead of brown lentils since that’s what I had on hand. Really good, can’t stop eating. 🙂
Wow. Just wow. I have made this soup FOUR TIMES since Christmas. Yup, it’s just that good. Thanks, Mel!
THANK YOU MEL!!!! This soup was loved by the pickiest of eaters in my family!
This has very quickly become one of my favorite recipes. I have made it per your recipe once, then another time I made some adaptations based on what I had/lacked. I’ve used a ham bone plus added diced ham, omitted celery because we didn’t have any, and discovered we were out of cumin so replaced it with adobo seasoning; nothing could go wrong with this recipe. So so so delicious, simple, and warming. Love!
So happy you love this, Darci!
LOVED it!!!!! I think it was even more over the top delicious because it looks so unassuming! Thank you, THANK YOU for another amazing soup!!!!
I love the instant pot recipes so thank you for posting them! Do you know, if i half the recipe, is it still 3 minutes? and in general (if you know), if i want to half an instant pot recipe, would the cooking time be less or the same?
Generally speaking if I halve a recipe or double it, I don’t change the cooking time.
I am WFPB & try to do SOS free so this was easy to adapt for me & I’m always looking for a new IP recipe! At the end, I thought it needed something so I added a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes. Delish! Maybe I’d do diced next time. I’m adding this to my go-to recipes! Thanks!
My husband got me an Instant pot for Christmas! ❤️ This is the first recipe I’m going to try. It sounds like I won’t be disappointed. I have smoked paprika in my cupboard thanks to your pork tenderloin recipe. I think I’ll throw in some kielbasa too.
Thank you, thank you! My 35 year old son said ” seriously, this soup should get an award!” I did add kielbasa and I only had brown lentils. No red lentils to be found in our grocery stores. Also, I made my own chicken bone broth.
Mine is just sitting and waiting to be eaten!! I also made the chicken bone broth….little extra nutrition. Can’t wait to dig in!!
This was yummy! The kids unfortunately didn’t like it, but the parents did! I couldn’t find brown lentils, so I used green and cooked for 6 minutes. I think next time I switch the ratios of cumin and smoked paprika. I love that this is vegan if made with veggie broth too!!!
I adore this soup. I’ve made it twice. I have two sons who are vegans so it is perfect. They loved it. I don’t have a pressure cooker. It turns out just great on the stove top but I make sure to keep temperature low so it doesn’t stick. The second batch I have kept all for myself cause I’m worth it. Great lunches for work and great cause I’m eating less meat also. Thanks for awesome recipes once again!!
I forgot to say that I used all red lentils cause that’s all I had in the house and it was super yummy and creamy.
Hey Mel, I don’t have a pressure cooker… is there a way to make this in a pot? If so, how long would I need to cook it for?
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, try this on the stovetop: follow the directions, sautéing the vegetables in oil and adding the rest of the ingredients, except the kale or spinach. Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and let cook for 35-40 minutes (maybe longer, just keep an eye on it), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Stir in the kale or spinach, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.
I just posted and have a few things to add….I used a cast iron enamel pot on the stove to cook. Put in coconut oil – added vegetables and spices – added water – added smoked turkey wings. Cooked for about 60 minutes on low with a heat distribution metal pad under the pot….only stirred about 4 times as the metal pad kept even distribution of heat. As soon as lentils and vegetables were cooked – I removed them and continued to cook the smoked turkey wings in the broth until they fell off the bone. This is a very good recipe. I just had my second bowl of it for dinner.
I made this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! The brown lentils weren’t done after 3 minutes in the pressure cooker, but after 3 more minutes it was just about right.
I will definitely be making this again!
This was delicious! We had it with grilled cheese and roasted broccoli. The 2 and 4 year olds loved it! Thanks for all the amazing recipes! I am thinking about freezing the leftovers, any thoughts on that?
Go for it! I bet it will freeze great.
It freezes great!
I’ve known about lentils for FOREVER but hardly ever come across recipes for them… so there are always some languishing in my pantry. I have basic lentils and a bag of French lentils that I’ve never tried. They are much smaller and almost black, but their cooking instructions are identical to the green lentils. Based on previous comments, I think I’ll double the time under pressure and see how it goes. (Fortunately, my family likes mushy vegetables in soup if that overdoes it…).
Just made this this morning in about 20 minutes, including chopping time. It is delicious! I just love my IP and so glad you include IP recipes in your lineup. Keep ’em coming!
Mel, You are my number one source for recipes. I have celiac disease and I am able to use your recipes without too much fuss. I love everything you make and your recipes are so easy! This soup, like so many of your recipes, was absolutely delicious and required no modifications. Thank you for sharing your ideas with the world.
Thank you, Daphne!
Mel this was wonderful! Perfect for a cold evening when we needed something for dinner unrelated to Thanksgiving! As usual you gave me a winner!
I made this last night and it was so easy and delicious! I love the smokey flavor! My family loved it too. The amazing-ness that is smoked paprika was unknown to me before I started following your blog and now I can’t believe I ever cooked without it!!
I’ve been wanting to use my pressure cooker more often and we love soup in this house. I made it last night and it has been moved to the “make again” section of my recipe files. The only change was adding some cut up ham. I used the optional kale too because, well, KALE!
Yes! I have a habit of adding everything in the produce section to lentil soups and over complicating a simple, healthy dish. I left yours alone (stovetop method) and I’m glad I did. Delicious, hearty, and the smoked paprika may have even convinced my meat-loving in-laws there was some in this soup. Thanks again for another great recipe.
Mel, I love brown lentils but have not been able to find them. Where did you get yours?
I use them to also make awesome lentil tacos. I’ve even gone to special stores, and asked if they have brown lentils, and they say yes, but they end up being the green ones, which do look a bit brownish. But, being a lentil lover, I know the difference 🙂
Also, have you put up anything from your BYU classes and I’ve just missed that?
Thank you!!
Hey Janet – hmmm, I’m not necessarily a lentil expert, so maybe the ones I’m using are actually green? Although they don’t take quite as long to cook as the green ones. I linked to the ones I’ve bought before on Amazon…but my local Winco also carries them in the bulk section. The BYU Women’s Services department put the handouts up on their website but I haven’t done a recap yet! Hopefully soon!
Hi Mel, I’ve loved your site for years, but never comment (possibly laziness!!) But I must thank you for this recipe!! After recently becoming vegetarian but feeling overwhelmed as the rest of my family still love their meat, I needed a few recipes that suit everyone without feeling guilt that they’re ‘missing out’. But this soup was so stinkin delicious everyone gave it 10/10, even my so-picky-he’s-almost-anorexic son. Thank you for continuing to make my life in the kitchen more enjoyable.
Thank YOU, Natasha!
Had this for dinner tonight and it was quite tasty! Made as directed except I must have used the green lentils (My package just said “Lentils,” and they looked greenish brown.), so I had to add more cook time in the pressure cooker. I just redid the 3 minutes, and that cooked them up well enough. I really liked how the soup had a smoky flavor without using meat. My husband and 4 kids liked it, too. My husband said if he were in a dire situation like a prisoner of war camp or backpacking for days on end and were fed this, it would be like heaven.
Made it this morning for dinner this evening. I added 3/4 pound sweet Italian sausage. The couple bites I tasted were delicious! Sure to be even better this evening. Thanks for the hint on the red and brown lentils. I really like how the red lentils added body to the soup. I made your curry lentil soup last week and it’s interesting to see and taste the difference. Both are yummy!
You were right, it’s not pretty, but it sure is good! I just recommended it to all my soup loving friends. I’m going to try this as a crockpot freezer meal. Throw everything together in a bag and freeze. Pop it into crockpot and away you go! I’m guessing it should work well!
I made this last night and loved how simple it was to throw together. I threw in some smoked sausage and I’m glad I did. It was a great addition. Thank you for the recipe Mel! Most everyone in the family liked it. If you like lentils, here’s another yummy winter soup/stew.
http://www.food.com/recipe/carrabbas-sausage-and-lentil-soup-162864
I add 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and 1 tsp of the other herbs.
Soup in the instant pot is my very very favorite thing to make! So quick and convenient. I’ll even do creamy soups and simmer the milk/flour after the soup cycle. Love it!
I cracked up at your description of Brian’s hesitation, but that he knew better than to say something. My husband does that ALL the time. I know “the look” too well. Then it really is SO hard not to rub it in or lecture when it’s good.
Oh perfect! We have a bag of lentils in our pantry that we bought to make lentil soup, but I couldn’t find a credible recipe that I trusted! Glad you just posted this!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
3 minutes cook time!!!!!! Wow!!!! I’m so into that! Can’t wait to try it! Love my IP! Love you, Mel! Thank you!
You’re once again my hero!!! I was looking through your site yesterday as I was trying to find a recipe to use up my lentils and potatoes. This recipe couldn’t be more perfect for my mission to clean out the pantry!!!! Thank you!!!!
Looks wonderful–thank you. We will make it today, pretending it is cool enough for soup in Arizona! I have my vegetarian daughter living here for a few months, and wondered if you can sort your recipes into a vegetarian tab? You know, in your free time. 😉 I don’t plan on cooking vegetarian all the time, but would love to once or twice a week. I tried just sorting through your search engine, and some possibilities came up, but not as many as you have. And thank you for this great resource–you save dinner around here all the time! You and your website are always on my list of favorite things!
I have a meatless category here:
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/category/meatless
Hope that helps!
Anyway this could be changed up for a slow cooker?
I’m certain it could – I just haven’t tried it. I’m guessing 7-8 hours on low?
Made this tonight and everyone loved it except the 13 mo old! So fast, so good! My husband thinks he hates lentils because he didn’t like them when he lived in Peru. But so far he likes your lentil soups. Any more recipes you can share to justify my buying them in bulk?! And thanks for saving my life/dinner tonight. My plans crashed and I needed something fast. This was perfect!
Glad you liked it, Stacey! I’ll see if I can drum up any other beloved lentil recipes.
Love the idea of lentils, potatoes and smoked paprika! I’ve never cooked with red lentils before, how would this be with all red (no brown) lentils?
Haven’t tried it like that, but I have a feeling it’s pretty adaptable.
I love lentils and smoked paprika. Sometimes I just see it in my cupboard and want to smell it! I can’t wait to try this, although I’m sure my daughter would prefer another meal. Lentils are a hard sale for her too. Question as well; I attended your event at BYU and in the last session you mentioned you had a word document with all your instant pot recipes and tips. I asked you about it and you said they’d lost it on the WRC blog, but they posted everything else, and not that. Can you email it to me? If so, that be great. If not, no worries, I will still read your blog, I promise. Thanks!
Hey Brianna – I’m still trying to get it into a format that I can share; I’ll definitely share really soon!
Thank you!
Where would I find the Vegan Instant Pot recipes?
I’ve got a lentil soup mix (Bob’s Red Mill, I think), but I’m going to use this to make it more interesting! Many thanks.
So the green lentils are also cooked fully in 3 minutes? I make this recipe often: http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/01/30-minute-pressure-cooker-chicken-lentil-bacon-stew.html with green lentils and after the 20 minute cook time, they’re still pretty chewy. Sounds delicious though! I’ll have to try it out.
Thanks for your note, Rebecca. I’m glad you brought up the green lentils. Because I only used brown and red, I took out the option for green lentils (it was in the original recipe). You are right, of all the lentil varieties, green lentils take a lot longer to cook, and since I haven’t used them, I’d rather people stick with brown and red so it works out. 🙂
I actually just used green lentils (all I had) and being dubious about potatoes and lentils cooking in three minutes, (newbie lol), I extended mine to 5 minutes. Came out great. It is so delicious! Thanks for this recipe!
I will have to try this! I add smoked paprika to my salsa and it’s magical. I’m sure it’s great here too!
This has two of my favorites in it, lentils and potatoes. It looks delicious. Can’t wait to try it.
Brown food is never pretty, but it is always delicious! Can’t wait to make this, lentils are one of my favorite ingredients to work with. Thank you.
I think Brown food is pretty. Brown means flavor and richness!
Looks delicious. Does it have sausage in it? It looks like it in the picture but isn’t in the recipe.
No, it doesn’t have sausage in it, but that would be a very delicious addition!
Looks good Mel, just a quick question as I’ve never cooked with lentils before. Are they dry, like beans? If so, I’m guessing they don’t have to be soaked before hand.
Yes, they are dry like beans! But no, they don’t always have to be soaked. I never do unless I’m sprouting them and that’s a whole different story. They should be widely available near the rice in any grocery store.
I thought the same thing and was just about to ask. Looking closer, I think the mysterious sausage-lookalike is the backside of a red potato. 🙂
Oops, that was supposed to go on the comment below. Ha!
Ooooh, lentils are my favorite. I am excited to try this version of lentil stew! I make it very regularly through the fall and winter, and my kids like it more and more each time. You are right, it is such a visual thing. When they see lentils, they’re like, “NOOOO!”, but then they eat 2 bowls each. I originally ate lentils when I was an exchange student in Spain; my host mom made them very frequently. She always added chorizo to her stew, so now at home I always add kielbasa or whatever kind of ring sausage I am in the mood for. I’ll probably use meat with your recipe as well, just because I know that helps in getting my boys (big and little) to eat it. Thanks for sharing a new version of lentils, and I am excited to try them with smoked paprika. P.S. I bought an Instant Pot because of you, and I love it. Add that to the list of kitchen things I have bought because of MKC LOL!
Photographing soup can be so tricky!
I’ve never tried the instant pot yet. You’ve got me intrigued! Dinner in 3 minutes sounds perfect!