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Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This hearty lentil soup is made by slow simmering green lentils with vegetables and spices in a crockpot until tender and flavorful. The dish develops a rich, earthy aroma with a slightly thickened, comforting texture, showcasing beautifully softened vegetables and well-cooked lentils. It’s an easy, nourishing meal perfect for a cozy, mindful moment after a busy day.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: comfort food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green lentils rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 carrots carrots diced
  • 1 onion onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tsp cumin ground
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric ground
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed

Equipment

  • Large crockpot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Start by rinsing the green lentils under cold water until the water runs clear, then set them aside.
  2. Dice the carrots and onion into small, even pieces, and mince the garlic finely. This helps everything cook evenly and makes the soup more inviting.
  3. Add the rinsed lentils, diced carrots, onion, and minced garlic into the crockpot.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth, then sprinkle the cumin and turmeric over the mixture. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors and distribute the spices evenly.
  5. Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are soft. You'll notice the aroma deepen and the broth thicken slightly during cooking.
  6. About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  7. Once the lentils are tender and the broth has thickened slightly, turn off the crockpot. Let the soup rest uncovered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Use a ladle to serve the warm, hearty lentil soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lemon if desired, and enjoy the comforting aroma and rich, earthy flavors.

Notes

For an even creamier texture, mash some of the cooked lentils with the back of the spoon before serving. Adjust seasoning and acidity last for best flavor balance.