Vegan Instant Pot Soup is a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal any night of the week. With an Instant Pot, you can have a flavorful and nutritious soup ready in a fraction of the time it would take to cook on the stovetop.
Why You’ll Love Vegan Instant Pot Soups
- Time-Saving: The Instant Pot drastically cuts down on cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to Make: Most recipes require minimal prep and the Instant Pot does most of the work for you.
- Flavorful: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function helps to infuse flavors deeply into every bite.
- Budget-Friendly: Soup is a great way to stretch your ingredients and make the most of seasonal vegetables.
A variety of colorful vegan soups made in an Instant Pot.
Essential Ingredients for Vegan Instant Pot Soup
While the possibilities are endless, here are some pantry staples that form the foundation of many vegan instant pot soups:
- Liquids: Water, vegetable broth, coconut milk, tomato juice
- Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots, celery, potatoes, leafy greens
- Legumes: Lentils, beans (chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans)
- Grains: Rice, quinoa, barley
- Herbs & Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, oregano, cumin, curry powder
Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices arranged around an Instant Pot.
How to Make Vegan Instant Pot Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a general framework for making a delicious vegan instant pot soup. Feel free to adapt it based on your chosen recipe.
- Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Heat oil and sauté onions, garlic, and any other aromatics until softened.
- Add Liquids: Pour in your chosen broth or other liquids. Use enough to cover the solid ingredients.
- Add Solids: Stir in vegetables, legumes, grains, and seasonings.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Soup” setting. Cook time will vary depending on the recipe.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. This means not touching the valve and letting the pressure come down on its own.
- Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup.
- Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve your soup hot with your favorite toppings!
Lentils and vegetables simmering in vegetable broth inside an Instant Pot.
Tips for the Best Vegan Instant Pot Soup
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Leave enough space for the steam to circulate. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking.
- Adjust Cooking Times: Denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots will need a longer cook time than leafy greens.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place denser ingredients at the bottom of the pot to ensure even cooking.
- Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing, deglaze the pot by adding a splash of liquid and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds flavor to your soup.
- Season in Layers: Add a pinch of salt and pepper at each stage of cooking to build depth of flavor.
Flavorful Vegan Instant Pot Soup Recipes
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to put your Instant Pot to good use. Here are some recipe ideas to get you started:
1. Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup: This classic comfort food is made with simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a touch of plant-based cream for richness.
2. Hearty Lentil Soup: Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty soup is a meal in itself. Add different spices for variations like Moroccan or Indian-inspired flavors.
3. Spicy Vegan Chili: Warm up with a flavorful chili loaded with beans, vegetables, and your favorite chili spices. Top it with avocado, vegan sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
4. Curried Coconut Noodle Soup: This fragrant and flavorful soup is made with coconut milk, curry powder, and your favorite vegetables and noodles.
5. Creamy Vegan Potato Soup: This crowd-pleasing soup is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Add roasted or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
A selection of vegan soup recipe cards next to a bowl of soup and an Instant Pot.
Vegan Instant Pot Soup: FAQs
1. Can I freeze leftover vegan soup?
Absolutely! Soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
2. What are the best toppings for vegan soup?
Get creative! Some popular options include: fresh herbs (parsley, dill, cilantro), a dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt, croutons, toasted nuts or seeds, a drizzle of olive oil or chili oil, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
3. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you’ll need to soak them overnight and adjust cooking times accordingly.
4. My soup is too thick. How do I thin it out?
Gradually whisk in more broth, water, or plant-based milk until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, vegan instant pot soup is a great make-ahead meal. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Enjoy a Bowl of Comfort
Vegan instant pot soup is a delicious and convenient way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. With endless flavor combinations and minimal effort required, you’ll be enjoying a warm and satisfying bowl of soup in no time.
