Instant Pot Lentil and Ham Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal in Minutes

Looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make soup? Look no further than this Instant Pot Lentil and Ham Soup! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a complete and satisfying meal in under an hour. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly simple to achieve tender lentils, perfectly cooked ham, and a rich, savory broth, all with minimal effort. This recipe is also economical and uses pantry staples, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks. Prepare to enjoy a hearty bowl of deliciousness!

## Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Lentil and Ham Soup

* **Quick and Easy:** The Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time compared to stovetop methods.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of lentils, ham, vegetables, and spices creates a deep, savory flavor.
* **Healthy:** Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, making this soup a nutritious and filling option.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a great choice for saving money.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or herbs.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This soup is great for meal prepping as it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Provides a base of flavor for the soup.
* **2 carrots, chopped:** Adds sweetness and texture.
* **2 celery stalks, chopped:** Contributes to the soup’s aromatic profile.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Enhances the overall flavor.
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme:** Adds an earthy, herbal note.
* **1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika:** Imparts a smoky flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Seasons the soup.
* **1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed:** The star of the soup, providing protein and fiber. Brown or green lentils work best; red lentils will become mushy.
* **6 cups chicken broth:** The base of the soup, adding rich flavor. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
* **1 cup diced ham:** Adds protein and smoky flavor. Leftover ham from a holiday meal works perfectly.
* **1 bay leaf:** Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice (optional):** Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors at the end.
* **Salt, to taste:** Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
* **Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish):** Adds a fresh, vibrant touch before serving.

## Equipment Needed

* **Instant Pot (6-quart or larger):** The key to quick and easy cooking.
* **Cutting board and knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** For stirring the soup.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the olive oil to the pot.
* Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally.
* Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This will help bloom the spices and release their flavor.

**2. Add Remaining Ingredients:**

* Turn off the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the rinsed lentils, chicken broth, diced ham, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

**3. Pressure Cook:**

* Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place.
* Turn the pressure release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position.
* Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 20 minutes at high pressure.

**4. Natural Pressure Release (NPR):**

* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. This allows the lentils to continue cooking and absorb the broth, resulting in a creamier texture.
* After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position. Be cautious of the steam escaping.

**5. Finish and Serve:**

* Once all the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot.
* Remove and discard the bay leaf.
* Stir the soup well. At this point, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier consistency, if desired. Be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some texture.
* Stir in the red wine vinegar or lemon juice (if using). This adds a touch of brightness and balances the flavors.
* Taste the soup and add salt to taste. Remember that the ham is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and add more as needed.
* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Instant Pot Lentil and Ham Soup

* **Rinse the Lentils:** Rinsing the lentils before cooking removes any debris and helps prevent them from becoming mushy.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking lentils can result in a mushy soup. Follow the recommended cooking time for the best texture.
* **Adjust the Broth:** If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or spinach to the soup.
* **Use High-Quality Ham:** The quality of the ham will affect the flavor of the soup. Choose a ham that you enjoy.
* **Adjust Spices:** Adjust the spices to your liking. If you like a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Let it Simmer:** After pressure cooking, allowing the soup to simmer on the ‘Sauté’ function for a few minutes can help the flavors meld together even more.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian Lentil Soup:** Omit the ham and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the ham.
* **Spicy Lentil Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup.
* **Lentil and Sausage Soup:** Substitute the ham with Italian sausage or kielbasa. Brown the sausage before adding it to the Instant Pot.
* **Lentil and Bacon Soup:** Substitute the ham with bacon. Cook the bacon before adding it to the Instant Pot, reserving some of the bacon grease to sauté the vegetables.
* **Different Lentils:** While brown or green lentils are recommended, you can experiment with other types of lentils. Keep in mind that red lentils cook much faster and may become mushy.
* **Add Greens:** Stir in some chopped kale, spinach, or Swiss chard towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or sage.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of sriracha for some extra heat.

## Serving Suggestions

* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
* **With a Salad:** Pair the soup with a fresh salad for a light and balanced meal.
* **With a Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** Enjoy a classic combination of soup and grilled cheese.
* **As a Starter:** Serve the soup as a starter to a larger meal.
* **Garnish:** Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 15-20g

_Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used._

## Printable Recipe Card

**Instant Pot Lentil and Ham Soup**

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 35 minutes
**Total time:** 50 minutes
**Serves:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup diced ham
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
* Salt, to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the olive oil to the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. Turn off the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the rinsed lentils, chicken broth, diced ham, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot.
5. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place.
7. Turn the pressure release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position.
8. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 20 minutes at high pressure.
9. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes.
10. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the pressure release valve to the ‘Venting’ position.
11. Once all the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot.
12. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
13. Stir the soup well. At this point, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier consistency, if desired.
14. Stir in the red wine vinegar or lemon juice (if using).
15. Taste the soup and add salt to taste.
16. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
17. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Conclusion

This Instant Pot Lentil and Ham Soup is a winner! It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly comforting. The Instant Pot makes it a breeze to achieve tender lentils and a rich, savory broth in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a hearty lunch, or a freezer-friendly option for meal prepping, this soup is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, dust off your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of Lentil and Ham Soup!