Instant Pot Soups: Quick, Flavorful, and Convenient Comfort Food

The Convenience of Instant Pot Soups

Soup makes for a warm, comforting meal, but stovetop preparation can be time consuming. This is where the convenience of an Instant Pot shines. The pressurized environment cooks ingredients rapidly, resulting in flavorful soups and stews in a fraction of traditional cook times.

Speeding Up Soup Making

What once took upwards of an hour to simmer on the stove takes only 20-30 minutes in the Instant Pot. Soup basics like onions, carrots, celery, and chicken cook very quickly thanks to the Pots pressurized steam.

Maximizing Flavor

High heat pressure extracts flavors rapidly from soup ingredients, producing full taste with little effort. Theres also less opportunity for evaporative flavor loss compared to longer cook times.

Choosing an Instant Pot for Soup Making

Pot Size

Consider 3-6 quart models for individual or family meals. Larger 8 quart pots work well preparing bigger batches for leftovers.

Programmable Models

Look for one-touch buttons to take the guesswork out of preparing perfect soups, stews, and chilis every time.

Budget-Friendly Options

Basic Instant Pots cost under $100. Mid-range models with more controls and settings reach up to $150. High-end smart Instant Pots integrate with apps and voice assistants.

Recipe Inspiration for Delicious Instant Pot Soups

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

With just chicken, vegetables, noodles, and seasoning, this comforting favorite couldnt be easier in the Instant Pot.

Hearty Bean and Lentil Chili

Mix beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers and Southwestern spices for a fiber- and protein-packed vegetarian chili.

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Puree potatoes, leeks, garlic, and broth for a smooth, satisfying soup to warm from the inside out.

Spicy Coconut Curry Chicken

Saut chicken in coconut milk with curry powder, ginger, chili paste, and veggies for an easy Thai-inspired dinner.

Tips for Instant Pot Soup Success

Saut Aromatics First

Sauting onions, garlic, ginger, etc. builds a flavor base before adding liquids.

Use Enough Liquid

A good rule of thumb is 1 cup per 20 minutes under pressure. Add too little and risk food burning warnings.

Quick Release for Dried Beans/Lentils

Use quick pressure release to prevent overcooking. Natural release works well for sturdy veggies, grains and meat.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

Stir in chopped parsley, cilantro, etc at the end for a fresh flavor pop.

Enjoying Leftover Instant Pot Soup

One of the best things about Instant Pot soups is the leftovers! Store soup in individual containers to reheat for easy lunches and dinners later in the week.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.