As the season transitions and the days begin to grow shorter and cooler, there’s nothing quite as warming and comforting as a well-seasoned, hearty bowl of soup, don’t you agree? It’s as if wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket has found its culinary equivalent. Who doesn’t find solace in the delightful aromas wafting from a simmering pot, promising a soulful meal to nourish both body and spirit?
Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite soup recipes – a humble, yet incredibly tasty crockpot lentil soup. Packed with earthy lentils, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of spices, this soup is like a symphony where every ingredient plays its unique part but together creates a harmonious, intoxicating melody.
The Star of the Show: Lentils
Lentils are the star of this soup and rightly so. These tiny legumes are not only high in protein and fiber but are also a great source of essential nutrients like iron and folate. Plus, they cook down to a wonderfully creamy consistency that is just pure comfort in a bowl.
For this recipe, I usually go for green or brown lentils. These types hold up well during the long cooking process in the crockpot, retaining a slight bite while still becoming deliciously tender.
The Supporting Cast: Aromatic Vegetables
Every star needs a great supporting cast, and in this soup, it’s the aromatic vegetables – onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. These veggies lend a sweet, earthy base that complements the lentils perfectly. They soften as the soup cooks, releasing their flavors into the broth for a taste that is simply delectable.
Don’t skip on the garlic because it adds an extra punch of flavor. The key is to chop all your veggies to roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
The beauty of this recipe lies in the magic of slow cooking. As the soup simmers gently in the crockpot, the flavors meld together to create a richness that is hard to achieve in a quick-cook meal. Plus, the convenience of a crockpot means you can throw all your ingredients in, set it, and then go about your day. You’ll return to a home filled with the wonderful aroma of your homemade soup.
Remember to give your soup a good stir every so often, if possible. This ensures that all the flavors are evenly distributed and that your lentils are beautifully cooked.
The Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Place all ingredients into the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until lentils are tender.
- Stir the soup occasionally, if possible.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste, before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 220 per serving
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 10g