Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, vibrant, and soul-soothing with minimal prep, this Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup is about to become your go-to bowl of comfort. Infused with layers of fragrant spices, creamy coconut milk, and wholesome lentils, it’s the kind of one-pot meal that tastes like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen—when really, your Instant Pot did all the heavy lifting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup brings its own magic, from aromatic veggies to vibrant spices and creamy coconut. You’ll be amazed by how these essentials create such bold taste and satisfying texture—plus, there’s nothing fancy or hard to find.

• Coconut oil: Infuses the soup with rich undertones and helps bloom the spices for extra depth.
• Onion & Carrot: This classic duo lays the flavor foundation and adds gentle sweetness.
• Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced, these aromatics make the flavors pop and add warmth.
• Medium Curry Powder: The heart of the dish—choose your favorite blend for best results.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch brings gentle heat; feel free to adjust up or down!
• Fresh Thyme: Lends a fragrant, garden-fresh twist that pairs beautifully with curry spices.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds sweet warmth and rounds out all the flavors.
• Potatoes: These get meltingly tender and add hearty texture to the soup.
• Green Lentils: Hold their shape in the Instant Pot, giving the soup a perfect bite and a protein boost.
• Vegetable Stock: Forms the savory base—use good-quality stock for the best flavor.
• Coconut Milk: The must-have ingredient for that creamy, dreamy consistency and subtle sweetness.
• Black Kale: Shredded for color, nutrition, and a little bit of chew; you can substitute with other sturdy greens if you like.
• Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget to taste and tweak at the end to bring all those lovely flavors into focus.

Variations

One of the best things about Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup is how endlessly customizable it is. Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or catering to specific dietary needs, it’s so easy to tweak the ingredients and still enjoy a delicious bowl every time.

• Swap the Lentils: Use red lentils for a quicker-cooking, slightly creamier soup, or try brown lentils for a nutty flavor.
• Switch Up the Greens: Replace black kale with baby spinach, Swiss chard, or even frozen peas for a pop of color and freshness.
• Add Protein: Stir in chickpeas or cubes of firm tofu at the end for an extra boost of plant protein and heartiness.
• Turn Up the Heat: Double the cayenne or toss in a diced jalapeño if you love your curry soup spicy!

How to Make Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” and melt the coconut oil. Once it’s shimmering, add in your diced onion and carrot. Let them soften for a couple of minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook until everything is golden and fabulously fragrant—this is what gives the Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup that irresistible base flavor.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Next, sprinkle in the curry powder, cayenne pepper, chopped thyme, and cinnamon. Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly. Toasting these spices in oil unlocks their full aromatic power, ensuring every bite of soup is deliciously “wow.”

Step 3: Add Potatoes, Lentils & Stock

Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add in the potato cubes, rinsed green lentils, and pour over the vegetable stock. Give everything a good stir so those seasonings are evenly distributed. This is your hearty soup base—lid on, and you’re ready to pressure cook!

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Lock your Instant Pot lid and set it to High Pressure for 7 minutes. Once the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for at least 15 minutes—this helps the flavors develop and ensures the lentils and veggies finish cooking to tender perfection.

Step 5: Finish with Coconut Milk & Kale

Carefully open the lid. Pour in the coconut milk and add the shredded kale. Stir everything together and let the residual heat gently wilt the greens and make the soup luxuriously creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Now, Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup is ready to serve—spoon it into bowls and enjoy the aroma!

How to Serve Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

Garnishes

I love to finish each bowl of Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup with a handful of fresh coriander, a squeeze of lime, or even a swirl of coconut cream. Toasted coconut flakes, thinly sliced red chili, or a sprinkle of crunchy seeds are also beautiful for a little flair and added texture.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but I can’t resist serving it with pillowy naan or fluffy steamed rice. A crisp cucumber salad or a side of lightly dressed greens makes a refreshing accompaniment for balance and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, ladle your soup into wide bowls and top with artful “islands” of kale, dabs of chili oil, or stacked naan dippers. Or try serving it in oversized mugs for a cozy, fireside-feeling dinner party—guests can simply cuddle up and sip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup cool completely before storing in airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, flavors melding and deepening even more as it rests.

Freezing

This soup is an absolute freezer hero! Portion it into airtight freezer containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you need a nourishing meal at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash more coconut milk or vegetable stock if needed to loosen the texture. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste before serving each time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing cozier than a steaming bowl of Instant Pot Coconut Curry Lentil Soup, especially when it’s this easy, satisfying, and flavor-packed. I can’t wait for you to bring these spices, veggies, and creamy coconut comfort into your kitchen—trust me, this one will win hearts at your table!

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