There is something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup. Our family loves exploring different vegetable soup recipes. They are great for meal prep and easy to squeeze in lots of vegetables and spices.
This vegetable soup recipe is packed with nutrients and flavor, and sure to be a family favorite in your home. We used the Instant Pot for this particular recipe. It drastically shortened the prep and cleanup time, which are two major positives for anyone (and especially for us as we have two young children).
If you don't have an Instant Pot, you could make this on the stove as well. The effort is worth it as it will last you and your family all week.
Ingredients:
8 long carrots
8 stalks celery
1 white onion
1 cup tomatoes
1 cup uncooked lentils
1 cup dry rotini pasta
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon basil
8 cups water
1 can kidney beans
The Prep:
Wash and chop carrots, celery, & tomatoes
Peel and chop onion
Instant Pot Steps:
Add oil and garlic to instant pot
Sauté for 5-6 minutes
Add carrots, celery, tomatoes, lentils, pasta, vegetable broth, basil, oregano, & water to instant pot
Pressure cook for 2 minutes
Add kidney beans
Sauté for 5-6 minutes
Stove Top Steps:
Sauté the veggies in a medium saucepan with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the carrots first and once softened, add in the celery and onion, and lastly the tomato.
In a separate large sized pot, cook the lentils. To cook lentils, you will want to rinse one cup of them under cold water. Then add them to pot with 2-3 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low for 15-20 minutes. Stir every few minutes until they are softened. Drain any excess water.
Leave the lentils in the strainer, and cook the pasta.
Add the sautéed veggies, lentils and pasta into the large pot. Add spices and remaining ingredients.
Simmer for about 30 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy!
We love topping this soup, and any soup really, with these croutons.
You could pair this with any meal, or serve it as the complete entrée. The choice is yours!