Easy Crockpot Lentil Soup
Warm, comforting, and brimming with wholesome goodness, our Easy Crockpot Lentil Soup is a true culinary masterpiece. This recipe brings together the earthy richness of lentils, the aromatic symphony of onion, garlic, celery, and carrots, and a blend of fragrant spices. Slow-cooked in a harmonious union of cumin and thyme, and simmered in a velvety bath of chicken stock and creamy coconut milk, this soup is a celebration of flavor and nourishment. Join us on a journey to discover how simplicity and a few humble ingredients can transform into a bowl of heartwarming delight.
simple INGREDIENTS you’ll need:
This nourishing blend of wholesome ingredients, lentil soup will delight your taste buds and warm your soul with every comforting spoonful.
- Lentils (Dry): A 16-ounce package of dry lentils forms the nutritious base of this soup, providing a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Onion: One large onion, diced, adds savory depth and aroma to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Carrots: Four medium carrots, chopped, contribute natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup, while also providing an excellent source of beta-carotene and antioxidants.
- Celery: Four celery stalks, chopped, lend a refreshing crunch and mild, herbal flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
- Garlic: Four cloves of garlic, minced, infuse the soup with their aromatic essence, adding a pungent and robust flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Dried Thyme: Half a teaspoon of dried thyme imparts earthy and floral notes to the soup, enhancing its complexity and depth of flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Three ounces of tomato paste, approximately half of a standard can, provide a concentrated burst of umami-rich tomato flavor, adding richness and depth to the soup’s broth.
- Cumin: One teaspoon of ground cumin adds warm and smoky undertones to the soup, complementing the other spices and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Bay Leaves: Two bay leaves lend a subtle herbal aroma and flavor to the soup, infusing it with a delicate complexity that enhances its savory character.
- Chicken Stock: Eight cups of chicken stock form the flavorful base of the soup, providing a rich and savory broth that ties all the ingredients together.
- Coconut Milk: One cup of coconut milk adds creaminess and richness to the soup, while also imparting a subtle hint of tropical sweetness.
- Salt: One teaspoon of salt enhances the flavors of the soup, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables and spices.
- Black Pepper: Ground black pepper, to taste, adds a hint of warmth and spice to the soup, enhancing its overall complexity and depth of flavor.
HOW TO prepare slow cooker LENTIL SOUP?
Time needed: 4 hours and 15 minutes
- Rinse Lentils:
Begin by rinsing the dry lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve or colander. Drain well and set aside. - Prepare Vegetables:
Dice one large onion, chop four medium carrots, and chop four celery stalks. Mince four cloves of garlic. These aromatic vegetables will form the flavorful base of the soup. - Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
In a large crockpot or slow cooker, add the rinsed lentils, diced onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, tomato paste, ground cumin, and bay leaves. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
Pour eight cups of chicken stock into the crockpot, ensuring that all the ingredients are fully submerged in the liquid. The chicken stock will provide a rich and savory base for the soup.
- Cook on Low Heat:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the soup on low heat for 4 hours, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Cooking the soup slowly allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully. - Add Coconut Milk
Add Coconut Milk: About 30 minutes before the soup is done cooking, stir in one cup of coconut milk. This creamy addition adds richness and depth to the soup, enhancing its overall texture and flavor. - Blend the Soup:
OPTIONAL STEP: Using a high-powered professional blender or immersion blender; blend half the soup. As a result, this will make the soup creamier and also leave chunks for texture. - Season to Taste:
Season the soup with one teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preferences. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the soup is cooked to perfection, discard the bay leaves and ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Why should you be eating more lentils?
People should be eating lentils for their remarkable nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking. Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, lentils offer a wholesome and plant-based source of nutrition. Additionally, lentils are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads, curries, and even meatless burgers. Their affordability, ease of preparation, and ability to absorb flavors make them an ideal ingredient for anyone looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet or seeking nutritious alternatives to meat-centric meals. By including lentils in your diet, you will reap numerous health benefits these legumes have to offer.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Lentils typically do not require soaking before cooking, but some recipes may recommend rinsing them thoroughly to remove any debris.
To prevent lentils from becoming overly mushy. It’s best to simmer lentils gently until they are tender and still hold their shape.
Different types of lentils, such as green lentils, brown lentils, red lentils, and French lentils, have varying cooking times and textures. While they can often be used interchangeably in recipes, it’s essential to adjust cooking times accordingly.
If lentil soup is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to create a thicker consistency. You can also use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup. Combine 1 tbsp cornstarch to 3 tbsp cold water and add to the soup.
EASY LENTIL RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Lentil Varieties: Experiment with different types of lentils, such as green lentils, brown lentils, red lentils, or French lentils. Each variety has its own texture and flavor profile, offering unique characteristics to your soup.
- Vegetable Broth: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian or vegan-friendly. Vegetable broth adds depth of flavor and richness to the soup without the use of animal products.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate a variety of vegetables into the soup for added nutrition and flavor. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and spinach are excellent options that pair well with lentils.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaves.
- Protein: Boost the protein content of the soup by adding cooked chicken, turkey, sausage, or tofu cubes. These protein sources add heartiness to the soup and make it more satisfying as a meal on its own.
- Acid: Brighten the flavors of the soup by adding a splash of acidity from lemon juice just before serving.
- Garnishes: Finish the soup with a variety of garnishes such as chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro), a dollop of sour cream, a dollop of Greek Yogurt, a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH SLOW COOKER LENTILS?
When serving slow cooker lentil soup, common side dishes complement the main dish while providing additional variety to the meal. Crusty bread, such as baguette slices or dinner rolls is perfect for dipping into the soup or soaking up its flavorful broth. A simple green salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast and a burst of color to the meal. For a more substantial side, consider serving cooked grains such as rice, quinoa, or couscous, which can be enjoyed alongside the soup or stirred directly into it for added heartiness. These side dishes complement the flavors of the lentil soup and provide a balanced meal that pleases the entire family.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER LENTIL soup?
Slow cooker lentil soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it ideal for cooking on the weekend and serving throughout the week. In addition, it freezes easily for up to 3 months. Make sure you thaw the lentil soup in the refrigerator overnight before trying to reheat. Then you can gently reheat it on the stove over low heat until the soup begins to bubble.
CAN LEFTOVER SOUP BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Yes, it is possible to freeze leftover crockpot lentil soup for later consumption. Freezing lentils is a convenient way to preserve a meal for the future. To freeze leftover lentil soup, first, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the soup to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Stored properly, the lentil soup can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Remember to stir the soup during reheating to ensure even warming.
CRAVING MORE SOUP RECIPES? TRY THESE!
If you love soups, check out my Classic Italian Minestrone Soup, Cheddar Broccoli Soup, and Velvety Hungarian Mushroom Soup. You can check out my Hungarian Beef Goulash for a heartier option.
Easy Crockpot Lentil Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 (16oz) Lentils (dry)
- 1 Large Onion (diced)
- 4 Medium Carrots (chopped)
- 4 Celery Stalks (chopped)
- 4 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 Tsp Dried Thyme
- 3 oz Tomato Paste (about 1/2 the can)
- 1 Tsp Cumin
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 8 Cups Chicken Stock
- 1 Cup Coconut Milk
- 1 Tsp Salt
- Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse Lentils: Begin by rinsing the dry lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve or colander. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice one large onion, chop four medium carrots, and chop four celery stalks. Mince four cloves of garlic. These aromatic vegetables will form the flavorful base of the soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a large crockpot or slow cooker, add the rinsed lentils, diced onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, tomato paste, ground cumin, and bay leaves. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Chicken Stock: Pour eight cups of chicken stock into the crockpot, ensuring that all the ingredients are fully submerged in the liquid. The chicken stock will provide a rich and savory base for the soup.
- Cook on Low Heat: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the soup on low heat for 4 hours, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Cooking the soup slowly allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.
- Add Coconut Milk: About 30 minutes before the soup is done cooking, stir in one cup of coconut milk. This creamy addition adds richness and depth to the soup, enhancing its overall texture and flavor.
- Optional Step: Using a high-powered professional blender or immersion blender; blend half the soup. As a result, this will make the soup creamier and also leave chunks for texture.
- Season to Taste: Season the soup with one teaspoon of salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preferences.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the soup is cooked to perfection, discard the bay leaves and ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of coconut milk, or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for a cozy and satisfying meal.
- With its wholesome ingredients and aromatic spices, this Easy Crockpot Lentil Soup is sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds with every comforting spoonful.