Lentil Soup Recipe Crockpot: The Easiest, Most Flavorful Soup Ever!

Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of lentil soup on a chilly evening? This lentil soup recipe for the crockpot is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. Forget slaving over the stove – with this recipe, you can simply toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! Come home to a delicious, hearty soup that’s perfect for meal prepping, weeknight dinners, or a cozy weekend lunch. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone.

Why This Recipe Works

This crockpot lentil soup recipe is a winner for several reasons:

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work! No need to constantly stir or monitor the soup.
• Deep Flavor: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer, more satisfying soup.
• Nutrient-Packed: Lentils are a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and iron, making this soup a healthy and filling meal.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or even a touch of meat.
• Freezer-Friendly: Lentil soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking and meal prepping.
• Budget-Friendly: Lentils are an inexpensive ingredient, making this soup a great option for feeding a family on a budget.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: fresh parsley, lemon wedges, a dollop of yogurt or sour cream (for non-vegan)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step helps to develop the flavors of the vegetables before they go into the slow cooker. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the vegetables directly to the crockpot.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables (if using) to the crockpot. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf.
3. Season and Cook: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The lentils should be tender and the soup should be slightly thickened.
5. Remove Bay Leaf and Adjust Seasoning: Once the soup is cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Optional: Blend for a Creamier Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup in the crockpot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the crockpot. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the lentil soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dollop of yogurt or sour cream (if desired). Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Rinse the Lentils: Rinsing the lentils before cooking helps to remove any debris and ensures a cleaner flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Cooking the soup for too long can cause the lentils to become mushy. Check for doneness after the minimum cooking time and adjust accordingly.
• Use High-Quality Broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so using a good-quality broth will significantly enhance the flavor.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can cook it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Add Greens: For extra nutrients and flavor, stir in some chopped spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of your soup. Cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and curry powder are all great additions.
• Add Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a nice tang.

Storage Instructions

To Store: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a little broth if needed to thin the soup to your desired consistency.

FAQ

Can I use red lentils in this recipe?

Yes, you can use red lentils, but keep in mind that they cook much faster than brown or green lentils. Reduce the cooking time accordingly. Red lentils will also break down more, resulting in a creamier soup.

Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?

No, you do not need to soak the lentils before cooking in a crockpot. They will cook perfectly fine without soaking.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, you can add meat to this soup. Brown some sausage, ground beef, or diced ham in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot with the other ingredients. You can also add a smoked ham hock for extra flavor.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables using the sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, this soup is naturally vegan if you use vegetable broth and omit any dairy-based toppings.

Conclusion

This crockpot lentil soup recipe is a true kitchen staple. It’s easy, healthy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a freezer-friendly meal prep option, this soup has you covered. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy the easiest, most flavorful lentil soup you’ve ever tasted! Happy cooking!