Slow Cooker Lentil Soup: Healthy Recipe & Cooking Tips

When its cold or you just need something cozy, lentil soup is a great pick. Its full of protein, fiber and good stuff so it works as a main or a side dish and everybody can tweak it to their taste. Plus its real easy to make, thats why lots of people all over the world keep it on their menu.

One simple way to cook this soup is with a slow cooker. Just toss in your ingredients, set it and forget it. The soup simmers all day, blending flavors so you end up with a rich meal without standing at the stove. Its pretty handy when you got a busy day ahead.

The main things you need for slow cooker lentil soup are lentils, some veggies, tasty broth and herbs. You can pick green, brown or red lentils, each one has its own texture and flavor. Carrots, celery and onions add more taste and nutrition. Veggie or chicken broth gives it an extra kick. When you mix them together you get a wholesome soup thats perfect for family dinner or meal prep.

Health Benefits of Lentils

Lentils arent just tasty theyre also super good for you. One cooked cup has about 18 grams of protein, making it a top choice for vegetarians or anyone wanting to cut down on meat. They also have around 16 grams of fiber per cup which helps digestion and keeps you feeling full.

Besides protein and fiber lentils got lots of vitamins and minerals like folate, iron and magnesium. Folate helps your body make and fix DNA, iron carries oxygen in your blood, and magnesium is key for muscles and nerves to work right.

Eating lentils often can help your heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. The fiber can also keep your blood sugar steady, so its smart for people with diabetes or those who wanna avoid it. And since they fill you up fast, lentils can help with weight loss too.

Compared to beans and peas, lentils cook quicker and dont need soaking, so theyre a convenient choice. They also tend to have fewer calories but more protein than many other legumes, making them a favorite in healthy diets.

Why Choose Slow Cooking?

Slow cookers are super popular now for good reasons. First, theyre easy. You dump all ingredients in the pot before you leave for school or work and come back to a hot meal. No last minute stress.

Second, the flavors really deepen. When things simmer low and slow, veggies and herbs soak into the lentils better, giving you a richer taste. Its perfect for soups, stews and the like.

Slow cooking also keeps more nutrients intact because the heat is gentle. You can use less oil or fat too, so your soups stay healthier. All in all, using a slow cooker for lentil soup saves time and makes every bowl taste extra good.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Here are the basics you need to make a tasty slow cooker lentil soup:

• Types of Lentils: Green, brown or red. Green holds its shape best, brown is more earthy, red gets creamy when cooked down.
• Vegetables: Dice up carrots, celery and onion and mince garlic. They add taste and textures.
• Broth Options: Use about 4 cups of either vegetable broth for vegan or chicken broth for more flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: A teaspoon of thyme, a bay leaf, plus salt and pepper to taste.

Optional adds:

• Extra Protein: Cooked sausage or diced chicken makes the soup heartier.
• Vegan Twists: Add diced potatoes or swap broth for water and extra spices.

Equipment Needed

You dont need much, just:

• Slow Cooker: Pick a size that fits your needs.
• Basic Kitchen Tools: Measuring cups, a sharp knife and a cutting board for chopping.

Detailed Recipe for Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 4 cups broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional spices or extras as desired

Directions

1. Prep Ingredients: Rinse lentils under cold water to remove any debris. Chop veggies into even pieces so they cook at same speed.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Put lentils at bottom, then add veggies, garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Pour in broth and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook: Cover and set slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Soup is done when lentils are tender and flavors have blended. Give it a stir now and then if you remember.
4. Finish Up: Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf before serving and its ready.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm crusty bread or a simple green salad. Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 5 days or you can freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations of Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Try these fun twists:

• Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Creamy: Blend part of the soup and stir it back in for a smooth texture.
• Mediterranean: Stir in diced tomatoes, olives, and crumble feta on top.
• Indian-Spiced: Use cumin, coriander and turmeric and add coconut milk for richness.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Yes, you can. Just drain and rinse them, then add to the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes so they heat through.

How do I thicken my lentil soup?

For a thicker soup, mash some of the lentils with a fork or use an immersion blender on part of the soup.

Is lentil soup gluten-free?

Yes, its naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and spices dont have any gluten added.

How long can you store lentil soup in the fridge?

In an airtight container it lasts up to 5 days. You can freeze it for longer storage.

What can I pair with lentil soup?

It goes great with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or grains like rice or quinoa.

Conclusion

Slow cooker lentil soup is tasty, good for you, and easy to make. You can change spices or ingredients however you like and still end up with a warm, hearty meal. Give it a try next time you want something simple but satisfying.

slow cooker lentil soup

This comforting slow cooker lentil soup is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with vegetables and plant-based protein, it's an easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe that will warm you up.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Vegetarian

Servings 4 People

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• 1 slow cooker
• 1 cutting board
• 1 measuring cups
• 1 measuring spoons
• 1 wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes, with juice 14.5 oz
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped added in the last 20 minutes of cooking
• 2 tablespoons olive oil optional for sautéing

Instructions

 

• Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
• (Optional) In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper until softened (about 5 minutes) for added flavor.
• In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed lentils, sautéed vegetables (or raw if you chose to skip sautéing), diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
• Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
• Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded.
• About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped spinach. Replace the lid and allow it to wilt.
• Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute the lentils with split peas or other legumes if desired.

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or potatoes for variation.

This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.