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Savour the Flavours of the Mediterranean: Instant Pot Moroccan Lentil Soup

In the heart of North African cuisine, Morocco is famed for its vibrant flavours, aromatic spices, and rich culinary traditions. One dish that beautifully encapsulates this culinary heritage is lentil soup, a warm and nourishing meal that is both satisfying and wholesome. With the advent of modern cooking appliances, preparing this delightful dish has never been easier. Enter the Instant Pot, an innovative multi-cooker that transforms a lengthy simmer into a matter of minutes. Here, we present a delicious recipe for Instant Pot Moroccan Lentil Soup that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For this heartwarming Moroccan Lentil Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges and fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Begin by turning on your Instant Pot and selecting the ‘Sauté’ function. Heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric. Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables, allowing the flavours to meld for a minute.

3. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the canned tomatoes, rinsed lentils, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

4. Cook Under Pressure: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ function and set the timer for 15 minutes at high pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining steam.

5. Finishing Touches: Once the pressure has fully released, remove the lid and stir in the fresh spinach or kale. Allow the greenery to wilt in the hot soup for a couple of minutes.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing each serving with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped coriander. Serve alongside crusty bread or fluffy couscous for a complete meal.

Culinary Tips

• Lentil Varieties: While green and brown lentils are commonly used in this recipe, you may also experiment with red lentils, keeping in mind they cook faster and may give a creamier texture.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavour.
• Spice Adjustments: Adjust the spice levels according to your palate. A pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce a delightful heat, while additional herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the depth of flavour.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Moroccan Lentil Soup epitomises the essence of Moroccan cooking with its rich spices and comforting ingredients. Perfect for any season, this soup not only warms the heart but also brings a delightful twist to your dining table. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main course, it offers a wholesome meal that is both vegan-friendly and gluten-free. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the Instant Pot work its magic—your tastebuds will thank you!

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