Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage and Kale – adapted from Smitten Kitchen

Since January started I’ve taken on the cliché of trying to eat healthier in this new year. I love trying new recipes, so I have been compiling easy and healthy recipes to try. Some have really hit it out of the park and I want to begin sharing those with you. A perfect winter day dinner is Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage and Kale, originally from Smitten Kitchen. I love how her recipes are easy luxury. They only seem complicated and the recipe has been adapted for either stove top or Instant Pot preparation. Perfect when you’re a wannabe foodie like me, who also needs dinner in a jiffy for her family. I love every ingredient in this soup, especially the lentils. I have found myself since January making all kinds of meals with lentils because of how good they are for you. I was eager to try this one out.

I switched out the traditional sweet Italian sausage for Jennie-O brand turkey sausage (trust me, it’s absolutely delicious and a fraction of the calories and fat). If you really want to turn up the flavor, hot Italian sausage would work as well. I’m a big kale fan so I decided to substitute kale for Swiss chard, but any green leafy vegetable will do.

I turned my Instant Pot on low saute and began to brown the sausage in oil. After about 5 minutes, I added the vegetables, salt and pepper and let those soften for another 5 minutes. Lastly, I added the lentils, bay leaves, tomatoes and water. Then I simply locked the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes.

While this was cooking, I prepared dinner for my children. As much as I try, they are not quite on board with our health kick. Lentils and sausage are too foreign for them. Crossing my fingers for the day they ask to eat off our plate! When the Instant Pot is done, I let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.

I opened the lid and saw yummy goodness. The smell of the Italian sausage and broth filled up the house. I turned the Instant Pot back on saute function and added the kale and let it cook until just wilted. When it was time to serve, I ladled the lentil soup in bowls and topped with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.

Another dinner down and this Instant Pot lentil soup is now added to my collection. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage and Kale – adapted from Smitten Kitchen

An easy Instant Pot meal. Italian sausage, kale and lentils combine to make a healthy and satisfying dinner. Top with Parmesan cheese for extra yum!

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Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Servings 6

Equipment

• Instant Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 8 oz sweet Italian sausage I used Jennie-O Italian Turkey Sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups water
• 3 – 4 cups thinly chopped kale
• Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

 

• Turn the Instant Pot to low saute function and pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add sausage and begin breaking it up with a wooden spoon and cook until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, salt and pepper. Saute another 5 minutes.
• Add the lentils, bay leaves, tomatoes, and water. Add a pinch more salt and pepper.
• Lock the lid and vent and set to high pressure for 15 minutes. When the Instant Pot is done, allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest of the pressure.
• Unlock the lid, turn the Instant Pot back on medium saute function and add the kale. Cook until wilted.
• Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

In adapting from the original recipe, I substituted turkey Italian sausage.  Feel free to use traditional sweet Italian sausage or hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.  I also substituted kale for the swiss chard.  Any green leafy vegetables will work well.