I have a special place in my heart for slow cooker lentil soup recipes that combine tender dried lentils, vibrant diced tomatoes, and fresh carrots. Infused with garlic, cumin, and a bay leaf, this hearty creation harnesses a fusion of flavors that is undeniably delightful, exciting me with every spoonful.

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I recently tried making a slow cooker lentil soup that i just had to share. I started off with 1 1/2 cups of dried lentils (always check for any debris), tossed in a large chopped onion, a couple of diced carrots and some chopped celery.

Then i added 3 cloves of minced garlic along with a can of diced tomatoes in their juices. I poured in 6 cups of vegetable broth, slipped in a bay leaf, and spiced things up with a teaspoon of ground cumin and a half teaspoon of dried thyme, finishing it off with a pinch of salt and pepper.

I’ve seen lots of recipes — like some of those Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipes and Vegan Lentil Soup Crockpot ideas — but this one really caught my interest because its simple yet hearty. Its a perfect meal for fall or winter and it lasts all week which makes it an awesome go-to recipe.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super simple to throw together even when I’m busy, and even though there are several ingredients, they all come together really well. I also really enjoy how the slow cooker does all the work for me, which means I can just set it and forget it. Plus, the mix of lentils, veggies, and spices creates a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect on a chilly day, and it even lasts all week if I make a big batch.

Ingredients

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Lentils are packed with protein and fibre making the soup very filling and healthy.
Onions bring a mild sweetness with a savory punch thats perfect after long simmering.
Carrots add a natural sweetness plus vibrant color and essential vitamins for nutrition.
Garlic gives a strong aroma and rich flavour that helps boost your immune system.
Diced tomatoes lend a tangy acidity balanced with vitamins and antioxidants for a fresh taste.
Vegetable broth creates a delicious base that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Ingredient Quantities

1 1/2 cups dried lentils (rinsed and checked for debris)

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

6 cups vegetable broth

1 bay leaf

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Rinse and check the lentils for any debris, then set them aside while you prep the veggies.

2. Chop the large onion, dice the carrots, and chop the celery into bite-size pieces.

3. Mince the garlic and get ready to combine it with the onions, carrots, and celery.

4. In your slow cooker, add the lentils, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.

5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth.

6. Toss in the bay leaf, ground cumin, and dried thyme along with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Give everything a quick stir to mix all the flavors together.

8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours.

9. Once done, remove the bay leaf and stir the soup well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

10. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed, then serve hot and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. Colander – to rinse the lentils and get rid of any debris
2. Cutting board – for chopping the onion, carrots, and celery
3. Chef’s knife – to chop the veggies and mince the garlic properly
4. Measuring cups and spoons – to make sure you add the right amounts of broth and spices
5. Can opener – if your can of diced tomatoes isn’t the pull-tab type
6. Slow cooker – for letting all the flavors meld over hours of cooking
7. Stirring spoon – to mix everything together evenly during and after cooking

FAQ

Q: How long do I need to cook this soup in the slow cooker?

It takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, so u can choose depending on your schedule and how soft u like the veggies.

Q: Do I need to pre-soak the lentils before adding them?

Nah, you dont need to soak 'em. Just rinsing and checking for debris is enough, they’ll cook just fine in the slow cooker.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Totally! You can toss in things like potatoes or spinach in the last hour if u want to mix it up a bit.

Q: What could I use if I dont have vegetable broth?

You can substitute with chicken broth or even water with a bouillon cube, just remember to adjust the salt.

Q: Any tips to make the soup thicker or creamier?

If you like it thicker, try mashing some lentils directly in the pot near the end of cooking, this helps the soup get a creamier texture.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have dried lentils, try using red lentils or split peas, but watch the cooking time coz red lentils can break down faster.
No onion? No problem, you can use a couple of chopped shallots or even some leeks as a milder alternative.
If you are out of carrots, diced parsnips work well and give a similar sweetness and texture to the soup.
Instead of celery, you can use a small bit of fennel; its subtle anise flavor adds a nice twist.
Veggie broth can be swapped with chicken broth if you are not strictly vegetarian, it totally changes the flavor profile just a bit.

Pro Tips

1. You might try sautéing your onions, garlic and even a pinch of spice in a little oil for a few minutes before dumping everything in the slow cooker. It can really boost the flavor even if it takes a bit extra time.
2. Always do a super close check on your lentils before cooking. Sometimes there’s tiny debris hiding in them that can spoil the texture, so it pays off to rinse them really well.
3. When your soup is almost done, give it a taste and be ready to adjust the salt and pepper. The slow cooker can mellow out flavors so a little extra seasoning at the end might be the secret to a tastier dish.
4. If you can, stir the soup about halfway through the cooking time. It helps all the flavors get mixed up evenly and makes sure the lentils cook just right throughout.