Easiest Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe | Comforting & Healthy

Introduction

There are some recipes that just feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and this Crockpot Lentil Soup is definitely one of them. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the aroma wafting from the slow cooker filled our home with the coziest scent, and it was gone in minutes! It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book, especially on a chilly evening. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, making it a weeknight superhero.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast Prep: Seriously, you’ll spend more time rinsing lentils than anything else!
• Effortless: Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
• Giftable: Package it up in mason jars with a crusty bread for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters tend to love this hearty, flavorful soup.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with plant-based protein and veggies.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful soup:

• 1 ½ cups dried lentils: I like to use brown or green lentils, as they hold their shape nicely. Make sure to give them a good rinse!
• 4 cups vegetable broth: This forms the flavorful base of our soup. You can use chicken broth if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: These add a lovely sweetness and a bit of texture. Don’t drain them – all that juice is pure flavor!
• 2 carrots, diced: For that classic soup sweetness and a pop of color.
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Another soup staple that adds a subtle, savory note.
• 1 onion, diced: Yellow or white onion works beautifully here.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Because what’s a savory soup without a little garlic magic?
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb is a perfect match for lentils, adding an earthy depth.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: The final touch to make everything sing!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get this comforting soup simmering! It’s so simple, you’ll feel like a kitchen wizard.

1. Rinse Your Lentils: Grab your dried lentils and give them a good rinse under cool running water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps get rid of any dust or debris.
2. Combine Everything: Now for the magic! Dump the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, can of diced tomatoes (undrained!), diced carrots, diced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme right into your slow cooker.
3. Give It a Stir: Just a quick stir to make sure all those lovely ingredients are mingling together.
4. Let the Slow Cooker Do Its Thing: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on ‘low’ for 6-8 hours, or on ‘high’ for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the lentils are nice and tender. I usually set mine in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked, aromatic soup!
5. Season and Serve: Once the lentils are tender, give the soup a taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for your palate. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy the cozy goodness!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so feel free to get creative!

• Veggies, Anyone? Toss in a diced potato or sweet potato, some chopped bell peppers, or a handful of spinach during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a gentle warmth that’s lovely.
• Herbal Notes: Feel free to add a bay leaf while it cooks, or stir in some fresh parsley or chives just before serving.
• A Little Tang: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten up all the flavors beautifully.

Tips for Success

Here are a few little tricks to ensure your Crockpot Lentil Soup is an absolute triumph:

• Don’t Skip the Rinse: Rinsing your lentils is a small step but important for removing any potential grit.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Lentil tenderness can vary slightly. Start checking after the minimum cooking time to get them perfectly soft but not mushy.
• Thicker Soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the slow cooker with the back of your spoon, or remove a cup of soup, blend it, and return it to the pot.
• Prep Ahead: You can dice all your vegetables the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This makes morning assembly even quicker!

How to Store It

This soup is a dream for leftovers! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

• In the Fridge: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully! Let it cool, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Here are a few common questions about this delicious soup:

Q: Do I need to soak the lentils?
A: Nope! Unlike some other dried beans, lentils don’t require soaking, especially for slow cooker recipes.

Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free vegetable broth.

Q: What can I serve with this lentil soup?
A: It’s fantastic with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad, or even topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.