Are you craving a soul-warming, nutritious meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this incredible Slow Cooker Lentil Soup – the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like a gourmet restaurant and your family begging for seconds! Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this vegetarian masterpiece is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's not just delicious, but incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables by finely chopping the onion, dicing the carrots and celery into small, uniform pieces, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the slow cooker, creating an even base layer at the bottom of the pot.
- Layer the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic over the lentils, distributing them evenly.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the vegetables and lentils, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged.
- Sprinkle cumin and thyme over the mixture, then add salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the lentils to become tender.
- After cooking time is complete, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The soup should have a thick, hearty consistency.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. Pairs well with crusty bread.
Tips
- Always rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any dirt or small stones, which can affect the soup's texture and taste.
- For maximum flavor, consider sautéing the onions, garlic, and vegetables briefly before adding them to the slow cooker. This will enhance their natural sweetness and depth.
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetable broth for the best taste. Homemade is ideal, but a good store-bought low-sodium broth works perfectly.
- Don't be afraid to customize! Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness, or throw in some chopped spinach in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
- If the soup is too thick after cooking, simply add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
