Tillie Doyle
Cooking lentils in a crock pot is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this versatile legume. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to sauces and even taco fillings. Crock pots are ideal for cooking lentils because they allow for slow cooking, filling your home with a delicious aroma. The process is simple: rinse the lentils, add water or broth, season to taste, and let the crock pot do the rest. The cooking time varies depending on your desired texture, but typically it takes around 4-5 hours for solid lentils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of lentils | Regular, green, brown, red |
| Crockpot cooking time | 3.5-8 hours |
| Storing | Refrigerate for up to 5 days, freeze for up to 6 months |
| Recipe ideas | Soup, stew, curry |
| Spices and herbs | Rosemary, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, pepper |
| Vegetables | Spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, onions |
| Other ingredients | Olive oil, vegetable broth, water, bouillon, tomato paste, salt, cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Crockpot lentil soup
To make crockpot lentil soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- French green lentils or brown lentils (1 ½ cups)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Tomatoes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is soft and beginning to brown, about 8 minutes.
- Add the carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are barely soft, about 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Combine the sautéed vegetables, lentils, and vegetable broth in a crockpot or slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the tomatoes and let the soup cook for about 20 minutes longer, just to heat them up.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup with a side of bread or sautéed vegetables.
You can also add some extra ingredients to boost the flavor of your crockpot lentil soup. For example, you can use rosemary, sweet potatoes, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, garlic, or Parmesan cheese. If you want to make it cheesy, add a Parmesan rind to the crockpot. You can also make it more spicy by adding cumin, coriander, thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf.
Additionally, if you prefer a smoother soup, you can puree a portion of it using an immersion blender or regular blender. This will give your soup a creamy texture while still maintaining some texture from the lentils and vegetables.
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Cooking time
Cooking lentils in a crock pot is a great way to make a hearty and healthy meal. It is a convenient method that allows you to cook lentils while you go about your day, filling your home with a delicious aroma. The cooking time for lentils in a crock pot can vary depending on the desired texture and the type of lentil being used.
For firmer lentils that hold their shape, regular green lentils or brown lentils are recommended. These lentils can be cooked in a crock pot for around 4 to 5 hours. This will give you solid lentils that can be further mashed if desired. If you want softer lentils, you can extend the cooking time to 6 hours or more.
It's important to note that red lentils behave differently in a crock pot. Due to their delicate nature, they tend to break down and release starch when cooked for an extended period. Therefore, if you're using red lentils, a shorter cooking time of around 3 to 4 hours is recommended.
Additionally, the cooking time can depend on the other ingredients in your crock pot and the desired consistency of the dish. For example, if you're making a lentil soup with vegetables, the cooking time may be around 3 to 4 hours until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened. However, if you're cooking bone-in chicken thighs with lentils, the cook time may be longer, around 8 to 10 hours on low heat.
In general, crock pots are versatile and forgiving, allowing you to adjust cooking times based on your preferences. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your dish and adjust the timing accordingly to achieve your desired outcome.
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Storing and reheating
Lentils are a great option for batch cooking and storing in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy meal. If you're storing your crockpot lentils in the fridge, make sure they're in an airtight container and they'll last for around 4-5 days. If you're freezing lentils, they'll keep for up to 3 months in a suitable container.
To reheat lentils, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If you're reheating on the stovetop, add a little water or broth to thin the dish as it heats through. If you're reheating from frozen, let the dish thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Lentils are a versatile and affordable ingredient, perfect for a variety of dishes. They're loaded with vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein and fibre, making them a nutritious option for meatless meals. They're a great base for soups and stews, especially in a crockpot where they can be left to slowly cook and fill your home with delicious smells.
Crockpot lentils are a convenient option, as they can be left to cook while you're at work, or getting on with other things. They're a low-fuss meal, and can be adapted to suit your taste, with various herbs, spices and vegetables.
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What type of lentils to use
Yes, you can cook lentils in a crock pot. Crock pots are ideal for cooking less expensive portions of meat and making them tender and tasty. They are also great for vegetarian and vegan dishes.
When cooking lentils in a crock pot, it is best to use regular, green, or brown lentils. These lentils hold their shape and texture well during the cooking process. They can also take on a variety of flavors, making them versatile ingredients.
Red lentils can also be used, but they will not hold their texture and will release their starches into the dish quickly. As a result, they are not recommended for recipes that require long cooking times.
Lentils are a great source of vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein, and fiber. They are also inexpensive, versatile, and easy to cook. When bought dry, they are cheap and have a long shelf life.
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Recipe variations
Yes, you can cook lentils in a crock pot. Here are some recipe variations:
- Slow Cooker Mediterranean Lentil Stew: Warm water and vegetable bouillon in a slow cooker until dissolved. Add lentils, carrots, and potatoes. Separately, heat a saucepan and add cumin and coriander, then olive oil and onion. Cook until fragrant, then add garlic. Transfer to the slow cooker. Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, and spinach. Cook on High, stirring every 30 minutes, until lentils are tender (3-4 hours).
- Slow Cooker Lentils with Tomatoes: Cook onions in olive oil in a skillet until soft and brown. Add carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Sauté until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Transfer to a slow cooker with lentils, water/broth/stock, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Crockpot Lentil Soup with Meat: Prepare raw lentils in a slow cooker with water/broth/stock and seasonings. Add 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham, or stir in 1/4 pound of baked bacon, or add 2 pounds of sliced kielbasa sausage. Cook as directed.
- Indian-inspired Curry Lentil Soup: This variation is also mentioned as a recipe option.
- Thai-inspired Slow Cooker Red Lentil Curry: This variation is also mentioned as a recipe option.
- Customizable Slow Cooker Lentils: You can customize your crockpot lentils by adding more or less dried herbs like rosemary, or changing the herbs completely. You can also add diced sweet potatoes, more spices like curry powder, turmeric, ginger, and/or garlic for a Southeast Asian flavor profile. For a cheesy flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the slow cooker. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or kale at the end, replacing the lid to gently wilt the greens before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook lentils in a crock pot.
Cooking time varies depending on the type of lentil and the desired texture. Red lentils are more delicate and break down when cooked for long periods. For solid lentils, cook for 4-5 hours. For softer lentils, extend the cooking time to 6 hours.
Rinse the lentils to remove any dirt, then add them to the crock pot with water or broth/stock and your desired seasonings. For 1.5 cups of lentils, use 3 cups of liquid. Bring the crock pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Lentils are versatile and can be paired with many different ingredients. Try adding vegetables such as carrots, celery, garlic, onion, spinach, or kale. For extra flavor, add spices such as rosemary, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, or garlic. You can also add meat such as chicken, sausage, or bacon.
