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To make a hearty crockpot lentil soup, you will need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich base for your soup. Lentils are the star, providing protein and fiber. The vegetables add texture and flavor, while spices create warmth. To make your soup even better, consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped - Crusty bread on the side - A drizzle of olive oil These garnishes add freshness and enhance the soup's look. Crusty bread is great for dipping! Besides the main spices, you can use these seasonings: - Smoked paprika for a smoky taste - Red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon juice for brightness These seasonings allow you to customize the flavor profile. Experiment with them to find your favorite mix! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish Once you have everything, wash and chop the veggies. Rinse the lentils under cold water. This step removes dirt and grit. Now, it’s time to build the soup. In your crockpot, add the lentils, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Next, add the vegetable broth. Drizzle the olive oil over the mix. Sprinkle in thyme, cumin, and place the bay leaf inside. Stir everything together. Make sure the lentils are fully covered by the liquid. Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The lentils should become tender and soft. When the cooking time is up, taste the soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. This is a good time to adjust the flavor. Remember to remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley. This adds color and a burst of flavor. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful lentil soup! To make your soup even tastier, try these tips: - Add herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the soup. - Add acid: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end adds a nice zing. - Use smoked spices: Smoked paprika can give a warm, smoky flavor. - Finish with oil: A drizzle of good olive oil before serving adds richness. Here are some best practices to keep in mind: - Rinse lentils: Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove dirt or grit. - Chop veggies small: Smaller pieces cook evenly and blend well in the soup. - Layer flavors: Cook onions and garlic in olive oil before adding to the pot for more depth. - Taste often: Always taste your soup as it cooks and adjust seasoning as needed. Avoid these common mistakes: - Overcooking lentils: Cooking them too long can make them mushy. - Ignoring salt: Failing to season well can lead to bland soup. - Skipping the bay leaf: This simple ingredient adds a lot of flavor. - Not removing the bay leaf: Don't forget to take it out before serving! Pro Tips Soak Your Lentils: Soaking lentils for a few hours can help reduce cooking time and improve their texture. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients. Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or chili powder, for a unique twist on the soup. Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before serving. {{image_2}} You can make your Crockpot lentil soup even better by adding more veggies or protein. Spinach, kale, or bell peppers work great. They add color and nutrition without much effort. Just toss them in during the last hour of cooking. If you want protein, try adding some cooked sausage, chicken, or tofu. These options give your soup a hearty boost. Just remember to adjust the broth amount to keep the soup balanced. Love some heat? You can easily make a spicy version of this soup. Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. Start with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes and increase based on your taste. Another great option is to add a splash of hot sauce just before serving. This gives your soup a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. Both vegan and vegetarian versions of this recipe are simple. The base of the soup is already vegan since it uses vegetable broth and no animal products. For a vegetarian twist, you can add dairy. A splash of cream or some cheese can make it rich and creamy. If you want to keep it vegan, just stick with the fresh parsley as a garnish! To store leftover lentil soup, let it cool first. Transfer it to an airtight container. Seal it tightly and place it in the fridge. The soup will stay fresh for about three to five days. Make sure to label the container with the date. You can freeze lentil soup for later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags for this. Fill the containers, leaving some space for expansion. Seal them tight and write the date on each. The soup can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat the soup, you can reheat it easily. For the best taste, thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Heat it on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Always check that it is hot all the way through before serving. Yes, you can use different lentils. Green or brown lentils work best for this soup. They hold their shape and add a nice texture. Red lentils can also be used, but they cook faster and become mushy. If you want a thicker soup, red lentils are a good choice. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking them. To make the soup thicker, you can mash some of the lentils. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash a portion of the soup. This will create a creamy texture. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Another method is to reduce the amount of broth you add. Lentil soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can serve it with a side of warm pita for a nice touch. Grilled cheese sandwiches are also a great match. For a bit of crunch, add some croutons on top. Feel free to get creative with your sides! Crockpot lentil soup offers rich flavors and great nutrition. In this post, we explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to create a perfect soup. We also discussed tasty variations and how to store leftovers properly. With this knowledge, you can craft a personal lentil soup experience. Keep experimenting with ingredients and flavors. Enjoy every warm bowl of this comforting dish!

Hearty Crockpot Lentil Soup

A comforting and nutritious lentil soup made in a crockpot, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In the crockpot, add the rinsed lentils, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic.
  • Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juices, and the vegetable broth.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and add the dried thyme, cumin, and bay leaf.
  • Stir everything to combine, ensuring the lentils are submerged in the liquid.
  • Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours until the lentils are tender.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Remove the bay leaf before serving for best flavor.
Keyword crockpot, lentils, soup, vegetarian