If you’re in the mood for a belly-warming meal that’s brimming with rich smoky flavor, you simply have to try this Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the kitchen, drawn by the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling sausage, herbs, and tender lentils. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this soup delivers big on both taste and heartiness, all while coming together in under an hour thanks to the power of your Instant Pot. Trust me, it’s destined to become a staple in your comfort food rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup couldn’t be easier, and the ingredients list is as approachable as they come. Each component pulls its weight, adding nuance to the finished bowl—whether it’s the smoky sausage, the earthy lentils, or the aromatic veggies creating a beautiful flavor base. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, and why they matter:
- Smoked Sausage: The heart and soul of this soup, bringing savory smokiness and a satisfying bite.
- Dried Lentils: Brown or green lentils work best; they hold their shape and add earthy body to each spoonful.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup base.
- Carrots: Add color, natural sweetness, and a gentle textural contrast.
- Celery: Lends peppery, herbal notes that round out the flavor profile.
- Garlic: Just a bit goes a long way in boosting the savory aromatics.
- Diced Tomatoes (with juice): The tomatoes bring tang and a lovely balance to the rich broth.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Dried Thyme: Classic herbal note that pairs beautifully with sausage and lentils.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and deepens the smoky undertones.
- Dried Oregano: Contributes a subtle earthiness and classic soup flavor.
- Bay Leaf: Essential for a round, aromatic broth (just remember to remove it before serving!).
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and building that irresistible base flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Balance and heighten all the other flavors—season to taste!
- Fresh Parsley: The finishing touch, vibrant and fresh, perfect for garnish.
How to Make Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and drizzling in that olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the sliced smoked sausage. Give it a few minutes to sizzle and become golden—this quick browning step coaxes out loads of savory depth and makes sure you get a little caramelized bite in every spoonful. Once browned, scoop out the sausage and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Pour the diced onion, carrots, and celery straight into the pot, letting them soak up all those sausage drippings. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and their natural sweetness is released. This aromatic medley lays the tastiest foundation for your soup.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Return Sausage
Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—remember, you only want it fragrant, not burnt! Next, return the browned sausage to the pot, bringing back all those bold flavors you developed earlier.
Step 4: Combine Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth
In go the rinsed lentils, the entire can of diced tomatoes (with their juices, for extra richness), and the chicken broth. Add the thyme, smoked paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bottom. The mixture may look humble now, but all those flavors will bloom beautifully under pressure!
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Cancel the sauté function, secure the lid, and set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes. As it cooks, the sausage releases more of its smoky goodness, and the lentils become perfectly tender while the vegetables meld into the most comforting broth.
Step 6: Natural Release and Finish
Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes—this resting period lets the soup settle and flavors intensify. Carefully perform a quick release to finish, then remove the bay leaf. Taste and make any final adjustments with more salt or pepper before ladling up!
How to Serve Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley is a must! It delivers a burst of color and a fresh herbal contrast to the robust flavors in Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, a swirl of olive oil or a tiny handful of grated Parmesan can take things up a notch.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but a warm crusty baguette is the ultimate partner for dunking and savoring every last drop. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle your Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup into oversized mugs for a cozy fireside feel or serve it in rustic bowls with plenty of fresh parsley and freshly cracked pepper on top. If you’re entertaining, hollowed-out bread bowls turn this homey classic into a showstopper your guests won’t forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the soup to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Your leftover Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a lifesaver for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This soup is a dream for freezer meal prepping! Just ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, being sure to leave a little space for expansion. It will stay delicious for up to three months. When you’re ready for a bowl, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. For single servings, the microwave on medium power works just as well—just give it a good stir halfway through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens up in storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this soup?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage brings a signature depth to Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup, feel free to substitute with kielbasa, turkey sausage, or even a spicy andouille if you like a little heat. Just remember, the flavor profile will shift depending on what you choose.
Do I need to soak the lentils first?
No soaking needed! Brown and green lentils hold their shape well in the Instant Pot and become perfectly tender during the pressure cooking cycle. Just give them a good rinse before using.
Can I add greens like spinach or kale?
Yes, and you’ll love the added nutrition and color. Stir in a few handfuls of chopped kale or spinach right after cooking the soup and let the residual heat wilt them down. It’s a delicious twist on Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup!
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get a hearty, satisfying soup with lots of smoky flavor.
Can I double this recipe in my Instant Pot?
If your Instant Pot is 8 quarts or larger, you can double the recipe as long as you stay below the max fill line. For smaller pots, stick to the original quantities to avoid any overflow or issues with pressure building.
Final Thoughts
I hope Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup becomes as cherished in your home as it is in mine. It’s that magical combination of convenience, unbeatable flavor, and pure comfort that makes it such a winner. Whether you’re after a soul-soothing solo lunch or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is always a hearty, heartwarming choice. Give it a try soon—your taste buds (and everyone at your table) will thank you!
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Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Smoked Sausage and Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vegetables, and smoky sausage, this soup is easy to make in your Instant Pot for a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Smoked Sausage:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Lentils:
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other:
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Smoked Sausage: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Cook the sliced smoked sausage until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sausage to the pot, add lentils, tomatoes, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid and cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in chopped kale or spinach after cooking.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
