Hearty Instant Pot Lentil Soup Ready in a Flash

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (approx. 1 cup/120g)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 1 cup/110g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons/6g)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup (200g) brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, a swirl of cream or yogurt, crusty bread