Instant Pot Lentil Barley Soup
Nothing warms you up on a cold day like a steaming bowl of Instant Pot Lentil Barley Soup. This barley soup packed with chock-full of colorful vegetables and hearty lentils all simmered into a flavorsome broth elevates this soup from an accompaniment into a well-balanced weeknight meal.
Instructions
- 1
Before you begin, check the lentils for small stones. Take a fine-meshed sieve and rinse the lentils under cold running water to clean any dirt or dust. Set it aside to drain.
- 2
Likewise, rinse barley under cold running water to clean any dirt or dust. Set it aside to drain.
- 3
Turn the Instant Pot to ‘Saute mode.’ Once it displays ‘hot,’ add oil to the insert. Add bay leaves and garlic.
- 4
Sauté for a minute or until fragrant.
- 5
Add chopped onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.
- 6
Add carrots, corn, and celery – cook for another minute. Add bell peppers and give the ingredients a good mix.
- 7
Now add the rinsed lentils and barley to the Instant Pot insert.
- 8
Add Italian seasoning, cumin powder, paprika, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and vegetable stock. Give the ingredients a good stir. Don’t forget to deglaze the base of the insert.
- 9
Turn the Instant Pot off. Close the lid and seal the pot. Press the Manual or pressure cook button and cook the Instant Pot barley lentil soup for 20 minutes on HIGH.
- 10
Once the cooking time has elapsed, turn the steam valve to the venting position to quickly release the pressure. When the pin drops, carefully open the lid. Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding an extra ½ cup of vegetable stock. Add more liquid if you prefer, and thin out the soup to your liking.
- 11
Turn the Instant pot ON and allow the soup to simmer for 4-5 minutes on the Sauté setting. Add lemon juice and mix again.
- 12
Adjust the seasonings if needed. Garnish with cilantro leaves, scallions, and serve warm.
Ago's Notes
- Adjust salt to taste based on your canned goods.
Let the flavors of this hearty soup warm your table, a perfect harmony of Italian simplicity and comforting depth-savor each spoonful as a tribute to the land's bounty.
How much of a capolavoro is this?
Share your opinion. Ago will say it the Italian way.
Pick a hand and tell Ago what you think.
Related Recipes
Coconut Curry Potsticker Soup
This soup celebrates the harmony of bold Asian flavors with the comforting simplicity of Italian-inspired technique: a single pot, fresh ingredients, and balanced seasoning. The creamy coconut broth enriched with red curry paste provides a fragrant base that carries tender potstickers and vibrant vegetables. This dish exemplifies how mastering a few key ingredients and steps can yield a deeply satisfying meal without fuss.
Cozy Italian Pastina Soup
This cozy, nostalgic soup is the perfect cure for any time you need to feel warm on the inside! Packed with easy flavor, this is a soup recipe that everyone in the family will absolutely love.
The Best Homemade Chili Recipe
This is literally the best chili recipe ever and the perfect comfort food for chilly nights! Packed with protein thanks to red kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, lean ground beef, beef broth, and bacon. We love to top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and avocado.