Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Lentil Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. Packed with nutritious lentils and fresh vegetables, it requires minimal prep and slow-cooks to flavorful perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the Crockpot.
- Step 2: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the lentils are tender.
- Step 3: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For added depth, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic before adding them to the Crockpot.
- Feel free to use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian option.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if it becomes too thick.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
While canned lentils are already cooked and can be used, this recipe is designed for dried lentils which absorb flavor and hold texture better during slow cooking. Using canned lentils will require adjusting the cooking time and liquid amounts.
Can I freeze this lentil soup?
Yes, lentil soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
PrintCrockpot Lentil Soup Recipe
A hearty and nutritious Crockpot Lentil Soup that combines tender lentils, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs for a comforting meal. Perfect for busy days, this slow-cooked soup is packed with flavor and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the dried lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they release maximum flavor during cooking.
- Add to Crockpot: Place the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the Crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours. The soup is ready when the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together to create a rich, hearty broth.
- Serve: Once cooked, stir the soup, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired for an added burst of freshness.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse lentils properly to avoid grit in the soup.
- You can add a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- For added protein, consider adding cooked sausage or chicken, if not vegetarian.
- Leftovers store well and flavors improve the next day.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content.
Keywords: Crockpot lentil soup, slow cooker lentil soup, vegetarian lentil soup, easy lentil soup recipe, healthy lentil soup
