When you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s both healthy and hassle-free, Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is the perfect go-to. This delightful dish is packed with nutrients, rich flavors, and the kind of warmth that makes it ideal for any time of year. Using a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, creating a deep, satisfying flavor that develops elegantly over time. The combination of lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs ensures you get a complete meal without the fuss and mess.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Recipe
There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a wholesome meal with minimal effort. This slow cooker lentil soup checks all the boxes — it’s nourishing, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep. You can savor its robust flavor any day of the week, and it offers versatility, whether you’re having it for lunch or dinner. Plus, this recipe is not only vegetarian-friendly but can easily be adapted for meat lovers too. With its heartiness and flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to add to your collection again and again.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
- 1 (16-ounce) package of dried lentils
- 1 cup of diced sweet onion
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- ¼ cup of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 7 cups of vegetable or chicken stock
- ¾ cup of full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon of coarse salt
- Black pepper, to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Directions
Creating this slow cooker lentil soup is as straightforward as it gets. Start by rinsing the dried lentils under cool running water to ensure they are clean and free from debris. Once rinsed, add the lentils to your slow cooker. Follow this by adding in a cup of diced sweet onion, four finely chopped carrots, and four chopped celery stalks. Next, mince two garlic cloves and toss them in with the lentils. The fresh flavor of garlic adds a wonderful depth to the soup.
Now, for a flavor boost, add two sprigs of fresh thyme, a quarter cup of tomato paste, and a teaspoon of ground cumin. These ingredients will create a rich base that brings everything together. Don’t forget to add in your bay leaf, which lends an additional layer of flavor. Take your seven cups of vegetable or chicken stock and pour it into the slow cooker, ensuring all the ingredients are well submerged.
Season your soup with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and lentils. Once everything is well mixed, cover the slow cooker and set it to low for about 8 to 10 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours. This method allows the lentils and veggies to cook slowly, melding the flavors beautifully.
After the cooking time is up, remove and discard the bay leaf and the stems of thyme. Stir in a generous three-quarters of a cup of full-fat canned coconut milk into the soup. This step adds creaminess that balances the dish perfectly. Take a moment to adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Finally, serve your soup hot in bowls, ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Lentil Soup offers plenty of delightful options. You can enjoy it solo in a warm bowl, or pair it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a light salad as a side. For added richness, consider topping it with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream, which complements the flavors well and provides a delightful creaminess.
Garnishing with some freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the presentation and taste, making your meal even more appetizing. This soup also works wonderfully as a hearty filling for quesadillas or as a base for a grain bowl topped with your preferred toppings such as avocado, seeds, or roasted vegetables.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
To make the most of your Slow Cooker Lentil Soup, here are some expert tips to consider. First, feel free to customize the vegetables for whatever you have on hand. Adding zucchini, greens, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition even more. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
If you want a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before stirring in the coconut milk. This will add creaminess without losing the texture of the lentils. Also, experimenting with different herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, can change the flavor profile depending on what you’re looking for.
Make sure to check the seasoning before serving. Given the different types of broth, you might want to tweak the salt and pepper levels to suit your personal taste. And lastly, if you’re cooking on low for the maximum time of 10 hours, check the lentils around the 8-hour mark to ensure they’re cooked to your preference.
How to Store Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Proper storage will allow you to enjoy your Slow Cooker Lentil Soup well beyond its initial preparation. Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it a perfect option for meal prep.
If you’d like to keep your soup for longer, consider freezing it. Ladle your soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warm throughout. This makes it an easy, ready-to-eat meal for those busy days.
Variation of Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
One of the fantastic aspects of Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is its versatility. You can easily switch up the flavors by including different spices and ingredients. For example, consider adding a pinch of turmeric or smoked paprika for a unique twist. If you’re in the mood for a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your liking.
For a heartier dish, you may introduce grains such as quinoa or brown rice, which will not only increase the fiber content but also help create a more substantial meal. Just remember to adjust the liquid content a bit; grains absorb water, so you might want to add an extra cup of broth.
For a Mediterranean flair, add chopped tomatoes and spinach or kale and season with Italian herbs like oregano and basil. If you wish to incorporate meat, shredded chicken or cooked sausage will add an extra protein punch while bringing a different flavor experience. The options are endless, allowing you to tailor the soup to your taste.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Can I leave the lentil soup in the slow cooker overnight?
While a slow cooker is designed for long cooking times, it’s best not to leave it unattended for more than the recommended cooking window. If you need to prepare it overnight, consider setting it to low for just the recommended time, then transferring it to a different container and refrigerating once cooked.
Is this lentil soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is made without any gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To ensure this soup is entirely vegan, simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and ensure that any additional toppings, like yogurt, are dairy-free.
What can I pair with lentil soup?
Lentil soup pairs well with a variety of sides including salads, crusty bread, or even over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
How do I know when the lentils are done cooking?
Lentils are typically done when they are tender but not mushy. This usually takes about 4 to 6 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low in a slow cooker. Keep an eye on them to ensure they maintain their texture.
Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious slow cooker lentil soup. It’s an easy recipe packed with flavor, perfect for busy days or cozy nights.
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package 16-ounce package of dried lentils Rinse under cool running water before use.
- 1 cup diced sweet onion
- 4 pieces carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme Remove stems before serving.
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 leaf bay leaf Discard after cooking.
- 7 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- ¾ cup full-fat canned coconut milk Add for creaminess before serving.
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt Adjust to taste.
- to taste black pepper Add to enhance flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the dried lentils under cool running water.
- Add the lentils to your slow cooker.
- Add diced sweet onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the slow cooker.
- Add fresh thyme, tomato paste, ground cumin, and bay leaf.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock until ingredients are well submerged.
- Season with coarse salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 4 to 6 hours.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme stems after cooking.
- Stir in the coconut milk for creaminess.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
- Serve hot in bowls.
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