Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that warms both the body and soul. Packed with the goodness of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare, letting the slow cooker do most of the work while you go about your day. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures that make this soup a family favorite.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Recipe
This Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and packed with nutrients. Lentils are a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making this soup an ideal choice for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters alike. The combination of sweet onions, carrots, and celery adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish, while the coconut milk creates a creamy and satisfying texture. Plus, since the slow cooker takes care of the cooking, you can throw everything in and return to a hot meal ready to be enjoyed.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Slow Cooker Lentil Soup:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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
Making this Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is straightforward and requires minimal prep time. Start by rinsing the lentils under cool running water. This helps remove any dirt or debris and gives you clean legumes to work with.
Next, grab your slow cooker and add in the rinsed lentils. Follow this by adding the diced sweet onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. These vegetables will create a flavorful base for the soup and add some lovely texture.
Next, mince the garlic cloves and toss them into the pot, followed by the fresh thyme, tomato paste, and ground cumin. The combination of these ingredients will infuse the soup with rich flavors. Don’t forget to add the bay leaf, which enhances the overall taste.
Now, pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. You might want to give everything a gentle stir to ensure even distribution. Season the mixture with coarse salt and black pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
Once everything is combined, cover your slow cooker. If you have the time, set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Alternatively, if you’re in a bit of a rush, you can cook it on high for 4 to 6 hours. The long cooking time allows the lentils and vegetables to become tender and meld together beautifully.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, it’s time to finish your soup. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme stems. At this point, you can stir in the coconut milk, which adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness. Give it a final stir and taste for seasoning—add more salt or pepper if needed. Your soup is now ready to be served!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Serving your Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is an opportunity to get creative. A bowl of this soup is a dish that stands beautifully on its own but can also be complemented with various sides. Garnish your soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
Consider offering warm crusty bread or rolls on the side for dipping. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can also elevate your meal and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. You could even pair it with some cheesy toast for a delightful combination.
If you want to turn this soup into a more substantial meal, consider serving it over a bed of cooked quinoa or rice. This adds an extra element of texture and enhances the nutritional profile of your meal.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
To make the most of your Slow Cooker Lentil Soup experience, here are some expert tips you should keep in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor of the soup. Whenever possible, opt for seasonal produce.
- Soak lentils: Though soaking is not necessary for dried lentils, it can help reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. If you have time, consider soaking them for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust spices: Feel free to play with the seasonings. If you love spices, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Blend if desired: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup. This will give you a creamy consistency without needing additional dairy.
- Taste before serving: Always taste the soup before serving. Adjust seasonings as needed for the perfect balance of flavors.
How to Store Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Storing your Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is simple. First, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. This prevents condensation inside the containers, which can lead to spoilage.
You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or for those busy days when you need a nutritious lunch. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing the soup. It can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation of Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is its versatility. You can make this recipe your own by trying various variations:
- Add greens: Stir in some spinach, kale, or collard greens about 30 minutes before serving. This will add a nutritional boost and vibrant color.
- Different legumes: You can swap lentils for other legumes like split peas or beans. Just keep in mind that different legumes may require variations in cooking time.
- Spice it up: If you want a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Creamy alternatives: If you want a different flavor, try using cashew cream or almond milk in place of coconut milk.
- Add grains: Consider adding cooked barley or farro to the soup for additional texture and heartiness.
FAQ
What is the best way to season Slow Cooker Lentil Soup?
You can season your Slow Cooker Lentil Soup with salt, pepper, and various spices like cumin, thyme, or even chili powder. Taste before serving to find your ideal balance.
Can I use dried lentils from a package?
Yes! Dried lentils are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to your slow cooker.
Can I make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup vegan?
Absolutely! This soup is naturally vegan if you use vegetable stock and don’t add any animal products.
How can I thicken my Slow Cooker Lentil Soup?
To thicken your soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water toward the end of cooking.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator and can be frozen for later use, making it ideal for meal prep.
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package 16-ounce package of dried lentils Rinse before use.
- 1 cup diced sweet onion
- 4 pieces carrots, chopped
- 4 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 0.25 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 7 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 0.75 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt Adjust to taste.
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the lentils under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the slow cooker.
- Add diced sweet onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the pot along with fresh thyme, tomato paste, and ground cumin.
- Add the bay leaf to the mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock ensuring that all ingredients are submerged.
- Season with coarse salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.
Finishing
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, discard the bay leaf and thyme stems.
- Stir in the coconut milk until combined and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary.
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