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Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Soup

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Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that combines hearty lentils with a vibrant mix of vegetables. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a warm and satisfying soup perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a wholesome, plant-based dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Lentils

  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped (optional)

Liquids

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs and Spices

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste (added at the end)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Gather your herbs and spices to keep the cooking process smooth.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are fragrant and slightly softened, which enhances the depth of flavor in the soup.
  3. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaves, thyme, cumin, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly.
  4. Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours. This allows the lentils to soften completely and the flavors to blend beautifully.
  5. Add Greens and Final Seasoning: Approximately 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach or kale if using. Taste the soup and season with salt and additional pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Rinse lentils well to remove dust and prevent cloudiness in the soup.
  • Sauté aromatics before slow cooking to significantly enhance flavor.
  • Do not overfill the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and avoid spills.
  • Season with salt toward the end of cooking to prevent toughening lentils.
  • Add fresh herbs right before serving to maintain their brightness and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, lentil soup, vegetable soup, vegan soup, gluten free, easy dinner, healthy meal, plant-based, comfort food

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/slow-cooker-lentil-and-vegetable-soup/