Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about tossing a bunch of humble ingredients into a slow cooker and returning hours later to find pure comfort waiting for you—this slow-cooker lentil soup is basically a cozy hug in a bowl!

Crockpot Lentil Soup is perfect for a nourishing meal, with a hearty blend of lentils, carrots, diced tomatoes, and chopped onion. Toss in some aromatic garlic, oregano, thyme, and a bay leaf, and you have the makings of a fabulous soup.

I love the way a splash of lemon juice and some fresh parsley finish this dish, bringing it to bright life.

Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Lentils: Packed with protein and dietary fiber, they are heart-healthy and filling.
• Onion: Adds a savory depth and natural sweetness, rich in antioxidants.
• Carrots: Provide a touch of sweetness and are high in beta-carotene.
• Celery: Offers a crunchy texture and is low in calories, with essential nutrients.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor with a fragrant, aromatic punch; known for immune benefits.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add acidity and sweetness; high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fat source with heart-protective properties, enhances flavor.

Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make this Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe

1. In a skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add the chopped onion, the carrot that’s been cut into 1/4-inch dice, and the diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

2. Place the garlic in the skillet and follow steps to cook it in the skillet for a minute. If the garlic becomes too brown or starts to smell burnt, throw it out and start over.

3. In a slow cooker, combine the cleaned lentils, the mixture of vegetables that has been sautéed, the whole can of diced tomatoes with juice, and the vegetable broth.

4. Mix in the salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.

5. Place the lid on the crockpot and set the heat to low. Allow the soup to cook for anywhere between 6 and 8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, set the heat to high and let it cook for about 3 to 4 hours.

How to Know When This Lentil Soup Is Done cooking
The lentils should be tender and slightly falling apart. If they aren’t, the soup needs to cook longer.

6. After cooking, take out the bay leaf from the soup and throw it away.

7. Add the lemon juice to brighten the soup’s flavor.

8. Sample the soup and fine-tune the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, should it be required.

9. If you like, you can also mix in some chopped fresh parsley right before you serve it, and it will add an even fresher flavor to the dish.

10. Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy your hearty slow-cooker lentil soup!

Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Skillet
2. Slow cooker (crockpot)
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Ladle
9. Small bowl (for discarding bay leaf)
10. Citrus juicer (optional, for lemon juice)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of lentil?A: Yes, you can replace it with green or brown lentils, but the time for cooking might differ a little.
• Q: Can I make this soup in advance?A: For sure! The flavors intensify with time, which makes this an even better dish to prepare ahead of time. You can keep it in the refrigerator for as much as 4 days.
• Q: Can I freeze the lentil soup?A: Indeed, this soup freezes quite nicely. Divide it into hermetic containers and store in the freezer for as long as 3 months.
• Q: What can I substitute for vegetable broth?A. Chicken broth and even water can be used, but seasoning has to be adjusted after cooking.
• Q: Is this recipe vegan?A: Yes, the soup is completely vegan as long as you use vegetable broth.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables?Of course! You can add any kind of vegetables you like, such as spinach, kale, or zucchini—these are great for an extra dose of nutrition.
• Q: How can I adjust the seasoning?A: Before you serve the soup, make sure to taste it. And if you think it needs more salt, pepper, or herbs, go ahead and add them. You want the soup to suit your taste.

Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 medium onion, chopped\n\nSubstitute with 1 leek or 2 shallots for a milder flavor.
2 carrots, diced – Use 2 parsnips in place of carrots if you want a sweeter taste.
Minced garlic, 2 cloves – Substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 teaspoons minced garlic from a jar.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – Replace with 2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes and 1 cup of either tomato juice or broth.
1 teaspoon salt – Replace with 1 tablespoon soy sauce for an umami flavor boost.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Sautéing Before adding the vegetables to the slow cooker, ensure they are well caramelized in the skillet. This enhances their flavor and adds depth to the soup.

2. Rinse Lentils Thoroughly Make sure to rinse the lentils multiple times under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any dust or debris and helps with better cooking.

3. Customize the Consistency If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after removing the bay leaf. Blend to your desired consistency, leaving some whole lentils for texture.

4. Boost Umami with Ingredients Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste during the last phase of cooking to add a rich umami flavor.

5. Add Greens for Extra Nutrients Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt nicely and add extra nutrition and color to the soup.