There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of slow cooker lentil soup, isn’t there? I mean, as the weather gets cooler, this hearty soup just calls to you! It’s packed with nutrients, and lentils are such a powerhouse of protein and fiber. I love how easy it is to throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic while I go about my day. Trust me, when you come home to that delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen, it feels like a warm hug! Plus, this soup is vegan, making it perfect for everyone at the table. Get ready to savor every spoonful!
Ingredients List
For my flavorful slow cooker lentil soup, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, diced into small pieces
- 2 carrots, sliced into rounds for sweetness
- 2 celery stalks, sliced for that classic flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced to bring in that aromatic touch
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, adding a lovely acidity
- 6 cups vegetable broth, for a hearty base
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, for a warm, earthy flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, a must for that cozy aroma
- Salt and pepper to taste, to elevate all those flavors
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making my slow cooker lentil soup is a breeze! Let’s walk through it together, step by step. First, you’ll want to rinse your lentils under cold water. This helps remove any dirt or impurities—trust me, it makes a difference!
Next, grab your slow cooker and add all the ingredients. Toss in the rinsed lentils, diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Don’t forget that can of diced tomatoes! It brings such a vibrant flavor. Then, pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth to create a rich, hearty base.
Now, sprinkle in that ground cumin and dried thyme. These spices are the secret to a cozy aroma that’ll fill your kitchen! Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors. It’s really starting to look delicious already!
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I usually opt for the low setting because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but if you’re short on time, high works just fine. Just make sure to check the lentils for tenderness before serving; they should be soft and cooked through.
And there you have it! A hearty, nutritious soup that’s practically made itself while you went about your day. Enjoy it warm and feel that comfort in every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax!
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from lentils and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich, comforting taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for everyone at the table, whether they’re vegan or just looking for a healthy option.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt it by adding your favorite veggies or spices to customize it to your taste.
Tips for Success
To make sure your slow cooker lentil soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip rinsing your lentils—this step removes any grit and ensures a smoother texture. If you want a thicker soup, feel free to mash some of the lentils right before serving; it adds a nice creaminess! Also, adjust the seasonings to your taste; sometimes a little extra salt or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can really elevate the flavor. Lastly, remember that every slow cooker is a bit different, so keep an eye on the cooking time the first time you make it. Enjoy your delicious soup!
Variations on Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
If you’re in the mood to switch things up, there are so many fun ways to customize my slow cooker lentil soup! For a little extra nutrition, try tossing in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last hour of cooking—it’s a great way to boost those greens! You could also swap out some of the veggies; sweet potatoes or bell peppers add a lovely sweetness and color. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or curry powder for a different flavor profile. And for a heartier texture, throw in some diced potatoes. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my comforting slow cooker lentil soup. Each cup packs about 200 calories, making it a hearty yet light option. You’ll find it has just 1g of fat and 12g of protein, thanks to those delightful lentils! With 35g of carbohydrates, it’s a filling meal that’s also rich in fiber at 15g per serving. Plus, it contains only 3g of sugar and is completely cholesterol-free. Keep in mind, these values may vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but they’re a great guide for your healthy eating!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious slow cooker lentil soup is super simple! Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 4-5 days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months—just make sure to leave a little space in the container, as it will expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it in a bowl, but be sure to check and stir it every minute or so for even heating. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of lentils?
Absolutely! While I typically use green or brown lentils for my slow cooker lentil soup, you can experiment with red lentils too. Just keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and may create a creamier texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This slow cooker lentil soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Of course! If you’d like a heartier version, feel free to toss in cooked sausage or diced chicken. Just add it in with the other ingredients and make sure it’s cooked through before serving.
How do I make this soup spicier?
For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños for a fresh heat!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Definitely! This slow cooker lentil soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup: 7 Comforting Spoonfuls Await
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and nutritious slow cooker lentil soup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water.
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Check lentils for tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Serve with bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: slow cooker lentil soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, easy soup
