GARDEN PATCH POTTAGE (INSTANT POT)
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Description:
A hearty, rustic, and soul-soothing lentil soup that tastes like it's been
simmering on the stove all day, but comes together in a flash thanks to the
magic of the Instant Pot! Packed with wholesome veggies and fragrant herbs, this
oil-free pottage is a complete one-pot meal that will warm you from the inside
out.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yields: 6 servings

--- INGREDIENTS ---
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus extra to taste!)
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups salt-free vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)

--- INSTRUCTIONS ---
1. Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add the onion, carrots, and
   celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, adding a splash
   of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper,
   and red pepper flakes to the Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Select the "Manual" or "Pressure
   Cook" setting and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for
   10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining
   pressure.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.