Spiced Middle Eastern Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 whole medium onion (diced, or substitute 2 fat shallots)
• 8 cloves garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
• 3 tbsp olive oil (divided (2 tbsp for sautéing, 1 tbsp reserved))
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 2 stalks celery stalks (diced)
• 1 medium parsnip or bell pepper (diced (or substitute fennel, potato, or cabbage))
• 1.5 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin (toasted spice)
• 2 tsp ground coriander (toasted spice)
• 2 tsp curry powder (toasted spice)
• 1 tsp ground turmeric (toasted spice)
• 0.5 tsp ground allspice (optional, toasted spice)
• 1 whole bay leaf (or substitute 1 tsp Herbes de Provence or Italian herbs)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated)
• 2 whole medium tomatoes (diced with juices, or substitute 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices)
• 4 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock (alternatively use 3 bouillon cubes dissolved in water))
• 2 cups water (for cooking)
• 1.25 cups black caviar lentils (small lentils; can substitute French green lentils or brown lentils (increase pressure cooking time to 20 minutes); or use 1 cup black caviar lentils plus 0.25 cup split lentils for creamier texture)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for garnish drizzle)
• 1 whole fresh lemon juice (for garnish squeeze)
• 0.25 cup fresh Italian parsley (chopped, or substitute fresh cilantro for garnish)
• 0.5 cup fresh tomatoes (diced, for garnish)
• 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional for garnish; Aleppo chili recommended)

Instructions

1. 1

   See notes for stovetop instructions.

2. 2

   Sauté onion and garlic in the Instant Pot in 2 tablespoons oil until fragrant and tender, about 2-3 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the veggies. Sauté 4-5 more minutes. Add the spices, salt and tomato paste and brown it a bit. Add the tomatoes and their juices, stock and water, scraping up any browned bits.

4. 4

   Add the lentils, stir and cover, setting the Instant pot to Pressure Cook on Normal for 12 minutes.

5. 5

   Let the pressure release either manually or naturally.

6. 6

   Taste, adjust salt, adding more to taste.

7. 7

   Divide among bowls and drizzle with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, chili flakes, fresh parsley and fresh diced tomato (optional).

• Silky Carrot Soup with Ginger

  45 minFrench Bistro
• 

  Tofu, Pea and Mushroom Miso Soup

  20 minJapanese
• 

  Creamy Mushroom & White Bean Soup

  35 minItalian, Mediterranean, American Comfort
• 

  Cabbage Soup

  50 minAmerican, German