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I discovered this amazing Crockpot Lentil Soup recipe last winter and honestly it's changed my weeknight dinner game forever. My kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma while the lentils simmer away with fresh veggies in a rich broth. This soup has become my go-to healthy comfort food that keeps my family coming back for seconds.
My Family's New Favorite
Every time I make this lentil soup my husband asks for the recipe to share with his coworkers. It's become our Sunday dinner tradition since it practically cooks itself in the crockpot while we enjoy our weekend. The best part? It's budget friendly and fills everyone up with goodness.
Everything You Need
- Dried Lentils: Grab 1 1/2 cups and give them a good rinse.
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups of low sodium works best in my experience.
- Tomatoes: One 15 oz can brings everything together.
- Fresh Veggies: 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks diced small.
- Onion: One medium yellow onion finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 fresh cloves minced up.
- My Secret Touch: 1 teaspoon dried thyme makes it special.
- Basics: Salt and pepper to your taste.
Let's Get Cooking
- Throw Everything In
- I just toss all my ingredients into the crockpot and give them a good stir. Super simple no fuss.
- Set It and Forget It
- Pop it on low for about 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 if you're in a rush. You'll know it's ready when those lentils are tender.
- The Finishing Touch
- Before serving I sprinkle some fresh herbs on top. My garden parsley works perfectly here.
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My Tips for Success
Listen giving those lentils a good rinse is super important. Sometimes I quickly sauté my onions and garlic first it adds such amazing flavor. Trust me on this one taste as you go and adjust your seasonings at the end. That's how you'll make it perfect for your family.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I throw in a handful of spinach near the end or squeeze some lemon juice over my bowl. My daughter loves when I add sweet potatoes and my son's favorite version includes tiny pasta shapes. Play around with it you really can't go wrong.
Saving It For Later
This soup actually tastes even better the next day. I pack it in my favorite glass containers and it stays good in the fridge for about 4 days. For busy weeks I portion it out and freeze it then just warm it up whenever we need a quick healthy meal.
Why Lentils Are So Great
I love how these little powerhouses pack so much nutrition into our meals. My mother in law started making lentil soup years ago and now I understand why. They're loaded with protein and fiber keeping us full and energized all afternoon.
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When to Serve This Soup
This is my go to recipe when hosting casual dinners. I've served it at book club gatherings and even packed it for ski trip weekends. It's filling enough to be a main dish but light enough that everyone feels good after eating.
What Goes Well With It
We love dunking crusty sourdough bread into our bowls. Some nights I'll toss together a quick green salad or toast up some garlic bread. My kids actually love it with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.
Why I Love Crockpot Cooking
On busy days nothing beats walking through the door to dinner that's already made. This soup basically cooks itself while I'm running errands or working. The slow cooking really brings out all those wonderful flavors.
Adding Extra Protein
Sometimes I'll add some shredded chicken if my husband wants extra protein. For my vegetarian friends I toss in some quinoa or chickpeas. It's so easy to adapt to whatever you're craving.
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Getting Creative With Flavors
Last month I experimented with curry powder and coconut milk talk about delicious. My sister loves when I make it Mediterranean style with extra cumin and a good squeeze of lemon. The possibilities are endless.
Why I Always Keep Lentils Handy
These little gems are always in my pantry. They're so affordable and versatile. Plus they take on whatever seasonings you add making them perfect for experimenting with different flavor combinations.
Stovetop Option
No crockpot? No problem. You can make this on the stove in about an hour. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. The results are just as delicious just requires a bit more attention.
Fresh Herbs Make Everything Better
I love finishing this soup with whatever herbs are growing in my garden. Thyme goes in while cooking but fresh parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top adds such a lovely fresh pop of flavor.
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Getting Kids to Love It
My little ones weren't sure about lentils at first but now they ask for this soup. The trick was letting them add their own toppings. A sprinkle of cheese works wonders with picky eaters.
Perfect for Healthy Eating
This has become my favorite healthy comfort food. It's naturally low in calories but so filling. Perfect when you want something satisfying that's still good for you.
Make Ahead Magic
Sunday meal prep is a breeze with this recipe. I make a big batch divide it up into containers and freeze them. Such a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when cooking isn't happening.
Good for the Planet Too
I feel good serving my family meals with lentils. They're so sustainable to grow and a great way to eat less meat without sacrificing protein. Small changes add up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Do I need to soak the lentils first?
No, dry lentils can go directly into the crockpot. Just rinse them first to remove any debris.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing.
- → What type of lentils work best?
Green or brown lentils hold their shape well during slow cooking. Red lentils tend to break down more.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, potatoes, or bell peppers.
- → How can I make it more filling?
Serve over rice or with crusty bread. Can also add diced potatoes to the soup.
Conclusion
A nutritious vegetarian soup that provides a hearty and healthy meal option. Prepared easily in a slow cooker, this soup combines protein-rich lentils with fresh vegetables to create a delicious and wholesome dish perfect for meal prep.