You’ve gotta try this Instant Pot Curry Chicken Lentil Soup. If you like flavorful, easy meals then you will love this dish.
The first time I prepared this dish I only used lentils and did not use chicken. I was inspired by this popular dish from Gimme Some Oven. It tasted good but I felt it did not have enough protein for someone who underwent bariatric surgery. Hence, I added chicken and decreased the lentils in the dish.
It came out perfect and high in protein too.
I suggest adding a little hot sauce because it adds a nice zing to the meal but this is up to you. I left it out of the recipe because some people cannot tolerate spicy after surgery.
Each one cup portion provides you with 23 g protein and 17 g net carbs. Plus, it has 3.5 g fiber to help keep you GI tract running smooth.
If you are unfamiliar with lentils they are in the legume family. They are high in fiber and contain b vitamins and iron. These are both important nutrients after bariatric surgery. Lentils are one of my favorite legumes because they do not require soaking and cook fast compared to other beans.
In my How to Low Carb Meal Prep after Bariatric Surgery I discuss the importance of protein, vegetables, healthy carbs and flavor at each meal. Well, this meal has it all! It’s your perfect one pot meal.
Protein = Chicken
Vegetable= Onion and carrots
Healthy Carb: Lentils (and adds protein too)
Flavor: Cumin and Curry
This meal is ideal for any stage after bariatric surgery. It can also be easily adapted to include you family. Serve with a whole grain English muffin on the side for your family.
Lastly, this meal can easily be made ahead of time and tastes delicious served as leftovers (it might taste even better 😉 ). If you are unable to eat it all, this dish can easily be converted into a freezer meal to enjoy in the months to come.
Bariatric Diet Modifications:
Pureed:
- After preparing blend to desired consistency in blender
Soft:
- Serve as is
Regular:
- Serve as is and consider adding a side salad
Instant Pot Curry Chicken Lentil Soup
This Curry Lentil Soup is a delicious one pot meal to make for you and your family.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and picked over
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Press “Saute” function on Instant Pot. Add olive oil. Once heated add onion and saute for 5 minutes. Next add carrots and garlic. Saute for another minute.
- Then add chicken stock, lentils, chicken and spices. Change function to “Manual” and set for 10 minutes. Once finished, carefully remove the lid once pressure goes down.
- Remove chicken and shred, then place back into pot and stir.
- Salt and pepper to taste and serve to hungry family.
Notes
Pureed:
- After preparing blend to desired consistency in blender
Soft:
- Serve as is
Regular:
- Serve as is and consider side salad with your meal
