Lentil and Rice Soup
This lentil and rice soup recipe makes a thick and chunky soup that is both yummy and easy. The instant pot does most of the work so you can enjoy a comforting and warming meal in no time.
I’m a big fan of soup. In fact, I eat it year round and I have since converted dear hubby to love soup almost as much as I do.
One of the things we love about this soup is that it is thick and hearty. Christopher loves to ladle it over either pasta or a baked potato, which I can appreciate. But to me, it’s a full meal.
So, I add a piece of artisan bread to my plate and call it the entrée. 🙂
We are a participant in Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. #CommisionsEarned. You can read my disclosure here.
Helpful tips
- If you like a soupier soup, add an additional 2 cups of water to the pressure cooker container. Just do not let the level of your liquid pass the maximum line.
- I used Arborio rice because I like how starchy it is but you can use brown rice if you prefer.
- Before I start the recipe, I soak the lentils for at least a half hour.
- In this recipe, I use green lentils but you could use whichever lentil you like.
- You don’t have to use wine in the recipe but I find it adds a nice flavor. If you do, use a dry wine like Sauvignon blanc.
- Wash the rice right before you are going to use it. You don’t want the starch to be released.
- There is no need to sauté the vegetables in the cooker container beforehand. I’ve done it both ways and there isn’t any taste difference. Save yourself some time and calories by doing it this way. The vegetables will cook just fine.
- The instant pot / pressure cooker takes up to 25 minutes to come to pressure. Note that I do NOT add this time to the recipe prep or cook time since it varies.
- Once the cooker beeps that it’s done, you can either let the pressure release naturally or you can do a quick release, which is what I usually do.
- Here’s how to do a quick release: Let your cooker rest for 5 – 10 minutes before putting on an oven mitt. Nudge the knob to the venting position keeping yourself clear of the valve. Be careful, the steam will be hot. Let the steam release and wait for the silver pressure gauge to drop back into the lid before attempting to open the pressure cooker.
How to make lentil and rice soup
Pre-step
Wash and pick over the lentils, then cover them with water. Set aside to soak for at least a half hour.
Get out your instant pot or pressure cooker.
Step one
Get the ingredients – soaked lentils, rice, onion, carrots, celery and a rosemary sprig. (A)
Step two
Chop the onion and carrots into chunks. Slice the celery lengthwise in half and then in slices. (B)
Step three
Add the chopped vegetables in the instant pot container. (C)
Step four
Even though you see two sprigs of rosemary, I actually took one out after I took this photo. 🙂
Add one rosemary sprig, garlic paste and salt. (D)
Step five
Add the lentils to the instant pot container along with the rice. (E)
Step six
Add chicken broth, a small can of diced tomatoes and wine. (F)
Step seven
Seal the instant pot lid, make sure the venting knob is in the sealed position and press the pressure cook button. You want the mode to be normal and the pressure set to high.
Set the timer to 10 minutes. When the soup is done, see helpful tips above for how to do a quick release.
Step eight
Remove the rosemary sprig and discard it.
You can either serve the soup directly from the instant pot or transfer it to a serving container.
I get two bowls and cut a few slices from an artisan loaf we love.
See how thick and delicious the soup looks?
I hope you enjoyed this lentil and rice soup recipe.
Other popular soup recipes
And as always, may all your dishes be delish.
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Lentil and Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils (rinsed and soaked for .5 hour)
- 1 cup Arborizo rice (rinsed right before you start the soup)
- 1 large onion (chopped in medium chunks)
- 3 large carrots (chopped in chunks)
- 1 stalk celery (cut in half lengthwise and then in slices)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 sprig rosemary (this is optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 3 teaspoons garlic paste (or 3 cloves garlic, chopped)
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- .5 cup dry white wine
Instructions
- Wash and pick over lentils. Cover with water and soak for at least a half hour.1 cup green lentils
- Chop onion and carrots into chunks and cut celery in half lengthwise and then slice.1 large onion, 3 large carrots, 1 stalk celery
- Add onions, carrots and celery into the pressure cooker/instant pot
- Add drained lentils and rice.1 cup Arborizo rice
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, rosemary sprig, diced tomatoes, broth, wine and water.1 teaspoon cumin, 1 sprig rosemary, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 cups chicken broth, 3 cups water, 3 teaspoons garlic paste, 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, .5 cup dry white wine, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Seal pressure cooker and make sure the venting knob is in the sealed position.
- Press the pressure cook button and make sure the mode is normal and the pressure is set to high. Set the timer to 10 minutes. (It will take up to 20 – 25 minutes for the pressure cooker to come to pressure).
- Once the pressure cooker beeps that it is done, do a quick release after 5 minutes. (see notes on how)
- Serve
- Smile
- Enjoy
Equipment
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
Helpful tips
- If you like a soupier soup, add an additional 2 cups of water to the pressure cooker container. Just do not let the level of your liquid pass the maximum line.
- I used Arborio rice because I like how starchy it is, but alternative varieties that work well are brown rice, wild rice, jasmine rice, and basmati rice, if you prefer.
- Before I start the recipe, I soak the lentils for at least a half hour.
- I use green lentils in this recipe, but you could use whichever color lentil you like.
- You don’t have to use wine in the recipe, but it adds a nice flavor. If you do, use a dry wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Wash the rice right before you are going to use it. You don’t want the starch to be released.
- There is no need to sauté the vegetables in the cooker container beforehand. I’ve done it both ways, and there isn’t any difference in taste. Save yourself some time and calories from the oil by doing it this way. The vegetables will cook just fine.
- I use rosemary in this recipe, but other herbs that go well in this lentil rice soup, are: thyme, oregano, parsley, and basil.
- If you want to make this vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth instead.
- The instant pot/pressure cooker takes up to 25 minutes to come to pressure. Note that I do NOT add this time to the recipe prep or cook time since it varies.
- Once the cooker beeps that it’s done, do a quick release, as you don’t want the rice to cook anymore and get mushy.
- Here’s how to do a quick release: Let your cooker rest for 5 minutes before putting on an oven mitt. Nudge the knob to the venting position keeping yourself clear of the valve. Be careful; the steam will be hot. Let the steam release and wait for the silver pressure gauge to drop back into the lid before opening the pressure cooker.
- For storage: You can store any leftover soup in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to crafting delightful dishes and cocktails, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
I am ALL about comfort food right now. If it fits in a bowl/mug that is all I need. Homemade soup is the best. Make it on the weekend for easy and stress-free meals all week long. Not to mention hearty and healthy too.
I agree Gloria. I’m all about comfort food too. Thanks so much for your comment.
Hmm perfect timing! I am looking for a new soup recipe for my wife and this Lentil soup is delicious!
Thanks so much Dennis! I’m glad you and your wife enjoyed it. 🙂
This is my kind of soup. I love rice and I eat it every day. On of the better way to eat rice is with lentils in soup form. Looks so comforting, delicious and satisfying!
Thank you Jo. I appreciate it. 🙂
I’ve been craving soup and this hit the spot! Love how it’s vegetarian and so easy and delicious! Love the rice and lentil combo as well 🙂 thank you!
Yay. I’m so glad. Thanks for telling me Kathryn!
This is such a comforting meal for cold days like today. Let me check if I have all the needed ingredients, want to make this delicious soup tonight!
Thanks Veronika! It’s my hubby’s favorite.
I’m always looking for a recipe in which both the rice and legumes come out done in the instant pot. This one did, and I so appreciated the rinsing and pre-soaking tips. I couldn’t believe the vegetables would be as good without sautéing first but they were, thanks.
I’m so glad to hear that. I hardly ever sauté veggies in the IP any more. I do sear meat but found there isn’t a taste difference – at least for me. Thank you for your comment.
Many thanks for sharing this Instant Pot recipe. I am always looking for new ideas as I love my Instant Pot. This will be a nutricious and healthy meal.
My husband isn’t big on lentils but let me tell you—-I Love.Love.Love. Them!!! I noticed this recipe on Pinterest and headed to the market to get everything I needed for your lentil and rice soup recipe—I’m going to make up containers for work to have for lunch, and maybe I might share a little with my co-workers. MAYBE—hee hee
Hi, i want to make this soup but i don’t have an instapot. Do you have the cook time for making the soup on the stove top? I would saute the veggies and then add the broth. Would i add the lentils and rice at the same time? I look forward to your expert thoughts. Thank you.
Sorry, Natalie. I just saw this. You can cook both the rice and lentils for 20 – 30 minutes. The rice takes around 25 and the lentils 30. hope this helps.