Instant Pot Split Pea & Lentil Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty soup that practically makes itself while packing in flavor and nutrition, you’re in for a treat with this Instant Pot Split Pea & Lentil Soup Recipe. I love this recipe because it’s quick, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings or any time you want a wholesome bowl without tons of fuss. Stick around—I’m going to share everything you need to know so your soup turns out fantastic every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Split Pea & Lentil Soup Recipe combines pantry staples with fresh ingredients so you get that perfect stew-like texture with vibrant taste. Here are the components that’ll set you up for success:

• Olive oil: Helps soften veggies and gives the soup a nice base flavor.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once it sautés.
• Carrots: They bring natural sweetness and texture to the soup.
• Baby yellow potatoes: These hold their shape nicely and add creaminess when cooked down.
• Salt: Essential to balance all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Garlic powder: A quick way to layer garlic flavor.
• Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth.
• Cumin: My favorite spice here—it adds earthiness and warmth that uplifts the whole soup.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Adds that bright punch of garlic aroma you get with fresh ingredients.
• Red lentils: Cook quickly and provide silkiness along with protein.
• Split peas: Give body and classic flavor to this hearty soup.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: The soul of the soup—homemade or store-bought works great.
• Fresh baby spinach: Toss in at the end for a fresh pop of color and nutrients.
• Fresh parsley: Lightens the flavor and adds a fresh herbal note.
• Fresh lime juice: The zesty finish that brightens the entire dish beautifully.

Variations

I think you’ll enjoy experimenting with this Instant Pot Split Pea & Lentil Soup Recipe—it’s super forgiving. I often tweak the spices or swap in different veggies depending on what’s in my fridge.

• Add Some Heat: I love adding a pinch of cayenne or red chili flakes when I want a little kick, especially on cold days.
• Make It Vegan: Swap chicken stock for veggie stock, and it’s just as hearty and flavorful.
• Extra Veggies: Sometimes I throw in diced celery or a handful of kale instead of spinach for more texture.
• Smoky Twist: Adding a dash of smoked paprika or a bit of chipotle powder changes the flavor profile deliciously.

How to Make Instant Pot Split Pea & Lentil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

Turn your Instant Pot on to the sauté setting and add olive oil. When it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, carrots, halved baby potatoes, and season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Stir every so often and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften and the onions become translucent—you want that lovely base flavor to develop before adding the beans.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Legumes

Next, stir in the minced fresh garlic and sauté it for just about a minute until fragrant; garlic can burn quickly so keep an eye on it. Then turn off the sauté function and add the red lentils, split peas, and your stock. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure no lentils or peas are sticking to the bottom (that’s a key trick to avoid the “burn” warning on the Instant Pot).

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Soup

Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual/high pressure for 15 minutes. This timing is just right to tenderize the peas and lentils while keeping the potatoes intact. When the cooking completes, feel free to let it release naturally for extra creaminess, or quick release if you’re in a hurry.

Step 4: Finish with Greens and Brightness

Once the lid is off, stir in fresh baby spinach, chopped parsley, and lime juice. These last-minute ingredients add a wonderful fresh contrast to the rich, earthy soup. Serve it warm, and know that the soup will thicken as it cools down, so if you want a thinner broth, stir in a splash of extra stock or water.

How to Serve Instant Pot Split Pea & Lentil Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a little drizzle of olive oil right before serving. Sometimes a spoonful of plain yogurt or sour cream adds a creamy touch, especially if you want a bit of cooling contrast to the warm spices.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or warm naan is perfect for dunking into this soup. I’ve also served it alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a full meal that’s both comforting and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For small dinner parties, I’ve served this soup in small bowls with a swirl of cream and microgreens on top, making it feel extra special. Another fun idea is to make individual servings garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds or crunchy fried shallots to add texture and interest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup goes into airtight containers and keeps wonderfully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. It thickens as it sits, so just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I often freeze this soup in portion-sized containers or freezer bags, which makes busy weeknights so much easier. It freezes well for up to 3 months, and thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating is best.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat and add a little broth or water if it’s too thick. I find low and slow reheating helps retain that homemade texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how forgiving and satisfying this Instant Pot Split Pea & Lentil Soup Recipe is—it’s turned into one of those weeknight go-tos for me and my family. The mix of spices with fresh greens and lime really makes it different from other soups, offering warmth and brightness in every spoonful. You’ll find it’s easy to make, easy to love, and even easier to tweak exactly how you like it. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too—just the kind of recipe you want to share with friends over coffee (or a hot bowl of soup!).

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