Flavorful Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup

Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup is a warm, inviting dish that fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas and promises to hug you from the inside out. Every spoonful envelops you in a symphony of spices, earthy lentils, and zesty chorizo that dances together like they’re at a fiesta. Just imagine curling up on a chilly evening with a bowl of this vibrant soup, feeling every drop of warmth seep into your bones while the flavors transport you to a cozy tapas bar.

As I bring you this recipe, I can’t help but reminisce about the first time I tried making lentil soup. Picture this: a kitchen filled with chaos, my cat trying to “help” by knocking over a can of tomatoes, and me vigorously chopping vegetables while attempting not to cry—both from the onions and my own culinary incompetence. coconut milk chili recipe But we’ve all had our kitchen disasters, haven’t we? With this Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup, you’ll find it’s not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in, get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds doing the cha-cha! For more inspiration, check out this Spicy Chorizo Sweet Potato Chili recipe.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Chorizo: Look for fresh Spanish chorizo in casings; it brings that zesty kick to the soup.
• Lentils: Use green or brown lentils; they hold their shape well during cooking.
• Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for flavor; mince them finely to release their aromatic oils.
• Carrots: Diced carrots add color and a subtle sweetness; choose firm ones without blemishes.
• Celery: Celery gives crunch and freshness; chop it small so it blends seamlessly into the soup.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smokiness that complements the chorizo beautifully.
• Vegetable Broth: A low-sodium broth enhances flavors without overpowering; you can also use chicken broth if preferred.
• Cumin & Paprika: These spices add warmth; opt for smoked paprika if you want an extra layer of flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the ingredients’ natural flavors; adjust according to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Chorizo

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once hot, crumble the chorizo into the pot and cook until browned. This should take about five minutes.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Stir in chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery with the chorizo. Sauté until vegetables soften—about three minutes—allowing those glorious aromas to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Incorporate Lentils & Tomatoes

Add rinsed lentils along with canned diced tomatoes (do not drain). Stir everything together so each ingredient mingles nicely.

Step 4: Pour in Broth & Seasonings

Pour vegetable broth over the mixture, then sprinkle cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it another good stir because we want everything happily combined before sealing.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Securely close your Instant Pot lid. Set it to high pressure for twenty minutes. The instant magic happens here as everything cooks beautifully!

Step 6: Release & Serve

Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for ten minutes followed by quick release until all steam escapes. Stir well before serving!

Transfer generous portions into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired—because who doesn’t love a little extra creaminess? Enjoy your bowl of warmth that’s bursting with flavor!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by sautéing the chorizo until it’s golden and fragrant. Next, toss in your vegetables and spices before adding lentils and broth. Finally, let the Instant Pot work its magic.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chorizo for turkey sausage or add extra veggies like spinach or kale for a nutritious boost. slow cooker pumpkin chili Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or chili powder to elevate the flavor profile!

Storing & Reheating

This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Sometimes, I make this soup when friends come over for game night; their faces light up as they smell the spicy aroma wafting through my kitchen. It never fails to impress!

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup?

To prepare Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup, gather the following ingredients: spicy chorizo sausage, green or brown lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, celery, and spices like cumin and paprika. Fresh cilantro or parsley can be used as a garnish. This combination of ingredients creates a hearty soup that is both flavorful and satisfying. For more inspiration, check out this Flavorful Huevos Rancheros recipe.

How long does it take to cook Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup?

Cooking Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup is quick and easy. Once you sauté the chorizo and vegetables for about 5 minutes, you can add the lentils and broth. Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for approximately 15 minutes. After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before safely opening the lid. This makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Can I make Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make a vegetarian version of Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup. Simply substitute the spicy chorizo sausage with plant-based chorizo or omit it entirely. classic shepherd’s pie You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the richness of chorizo. The lentils will still provide protein and texture in this delicious soup.

How should I store leftover Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup?

To store leftover Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage, up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy this comforting dish again at your convenience!

Conclusion for Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup :

In summary, making Instant Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup is simple yet rewarding. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a rich, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you choose to keep it traditional or modify it for dietary preferences, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch today!