Easy Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup (Instant Pot)

Whip up a cozy bowl of Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup in your Instant Pot tonight! This super easy recipe is perfect for busy families craving hearty comfort food.

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Ingredients

2 TBSP olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage spicy or mild
1 large onion chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
3-4 carrots peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic minced (or 1½ tsp minced garlic)
1 ½ TBSP Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt
29 oz canned diced tomatoes or one-quart stewed tomatoes
1 TBSP tomato paste
5 cups chicken stock homemade is best
1 ½ cups dry lentils sorted and rinsed
1 cup finely chopped kale spinach or nettle leaves (optional)

Instructions

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and preheat for 2 minutes. Add the oil and Italian sausage. While the sausage cooks break it into smaller pieces using a meat separator. Continue cooking until the meat is browned.
Add the onion, celery and carrot. Cook for 4 -5 minutes. Once the vegetables have started to soften, stir in garlic and seasonings.
Next, add the diced or stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, stock/broth, and lentils. Stir to combine.
Check that the silicone sealing ring is fitted properly into the Instant Pot lid. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn it clockwise until it is in the closed position.
Turn the steam release valve to the “sealing” position.
Press the “Manual” button and use the +/- buttons to set the time to 10 minutes.
When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, and then do a quick release.
Carefully remove the lid.
Stir in chopped kale/spinach/nettle if using.
Enjoy

Notes

This makes a large batch of soup and it freezes very well.

Serve with a side of crusty bread.