Are you craving a hearty, nutritious, and incredibly easy meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Crock Pot Lentil Soup that will revolutionize your dinner routine! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, aromatic flavors, a soup so delicious and wholesome that it'll have your entire family begging for seconds. This vegetarian delight is not just a meal, it's a warm hug in a bowl that combines simple ingredients with minimal effort, proving that healthy eating can be both effortless and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris or small stones, then drain completely.
- Prepare your vegetables by washing and chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the crock pot, followed by the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the crock pot, ensuring all ingredients are mostly covered by the liquid.
- Open the can of diced tomatoes and add them directly into the crock pot, including their juices.
- Sprinkle ground cumin over the ingredients, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently stir all ingredients to ensure even distribution of spices and vegetables.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the soup's consistency and taste. If needed, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
- Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Lentil Selection: Use green or brown lentils for best results, as they hold their shape well during slow cooking.
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Liquid Matters: Always ensure ingredients are mostly covered by broth for optimal moisture and flavor absorption.
- Seasoning Secrets: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the soup's depth.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some lentils against the side of the pot during the last hour of cooking.
- Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate the dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
