Marianne Martinez
Crock Pots are a handy kitchen appliance for cooking lentils. They are perfect for preparing lentil soup, which can be made vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free. Crock Pots can also be used to cook lentils with vegetables, cheese, or spices. The slow cooker function of a Crock Pot allows for hands-off cooking, making it a convenient option for busy individuals. Additionally, lentils are affordable, nutritious, and versatile, making them a great choice for meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 3-10 hours |
| Cook temperature | High or low |
| Ingredients | Lentils, broth, onion, carrot, garlic, spices, tomatoes, celery, cheese, herbs |
| Recipe type | Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop |
| Pairs well with | Bread, vegetables, salad |
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What You'll Learn
Crockpot lentil soup
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups French green lentils or brown lentils (avoid red lentils as they are delicate and break down when cooked for long periods)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth or stock (low-sodium)
- Fire-roasted tomatoes
- Crushed tomatoes
- Red wine vinegar
- Fresh parsley and Parmesan (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until soft and beginning to brown, about 8 minutes.
- Add the carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are barely soft, about 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Add the lentils, vegetable broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and crushed tomatoes to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are soft.
- Remove the lid and add the red wine vinegar, stirring to combine.
- Add 1-2 cups of stock to thin the soup if necessary.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve with fresh parsley and Parmesan, if desired, and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water or additional broth to adjust the consistency.
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Slow cooker lentil cooking times
Slow cookers are a great way to cook lentils, filling your house with a delicious aroma all day long. They are also versatile, affordable, and easy to cook.
The cooking time for lentils in a slow cooker depends on the type of lentil and the desired tenderness. Generally, it is recommended to cook lentils on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours. However, it is important to note that not all slow cookers cook at the same temperature, so the cooking time may vary slightly.
For green or brown lentils, which are recommended for holding their shape, the cooking time may be longer. Red lentils, for example, are more delicate and may not hold up to the long cook time in a slow cooker.
To cook lentils in a slow cooker, it is suggested to first boil them for about 10 minutes to avoid them getting mushy. Then, place the desired amount of rinsed lentils in the slow cooker and cover them with 4 cups of water, broth, or stock. Add any desired seasonings, such as salt, herbs, or vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and tomatoes.
For a lentil soup, combine 5 cups of water, about 1 pound of tomatoes, lentils, garlic, basil sprig, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, sugar, oregano, and black pepper in a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours, then remove and discard the basil sprig. Whisk the soup vigorously to smoothen the tomatoes and lentils, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Best vegetables to add to slow cooker lentils
Cooking lentils in a slow cooker is a great way to create a hearty, healthy, and comforting meal. The best vegetables to add to slow cooker lentils are those that complement the earthy taste of lentils and create a well-rounded, nutritious dish. Here are some ideas for vegetables to add to your slow cooker lentils:
Onions, Garlic, and Spices
Start by sautéing onions in a skillet until they are soft and translucent. Then, add garlic, carrots, celery, and spices such as Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Sauté this mixture for a few minutes before transferring it to your slow cooker. This forms the flavour base for your lentil dish.
Carrots, Celery, and Potatoes
These hearty vegetables are a great addition to slow cooker lentils. Their robust nature means they can withstand longer cooking times. Place them in the slow cooker at the beginning, so they have enough time to soften and develop flavour.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes add a rich flavour to slow cooker lentils. Use a combination of diced and crushed tomatoes for the best results. Fire-roasted tomatoes will also bring a delightful smoky flavour to your dish.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are a vibrant and tasty addition to slow cooker lentils. They provide a slight sweetness and a crisp texture to the dish.
Leafy Greens
If you're looking to add some extra nutrients and colour to your slow cooker lentils, consider adding leafy greens such as spinach or kale. However, add these towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking them.
Herbs
Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme can be used to garnish your lentil dish, adding a burst of freshness. You can also add dried herbs like bay leaves, marjoram, sage, and thyme to the slow cooker during cooking for extra flavour.
Other Vegetables
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables you have on hand, such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, or green beans. The beauty of slow cooker lentils is their versatility, so get creative and adjust the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
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Slow cooker lentil recipes
Slow cookers are perfect for cooking lentils, as they can be left to cook while you are out, and they also fill your house with delicious smells. Lentils are a versatile and inexpensive ingredient, and they are a great source of vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein and fibre. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to sauces, and they can even be used as a meat substitute in meals like tacos. Here are some lentil recipes that can be made in a slow cooker:
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
This recipe is vegan and gluten-free. It is a hearty, healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups French green lentils or brown lentils (not red lentils)
- Olive oil
- One onion
- Two carrots
- Celery
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Smoked paprika
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Red wine vinegar
- Sugar
- Fresh parsley and/or Parmesan to serve (use nutritional yeast to keep the recipe dairy-free)
Method:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until soft and beginning to brown (about 8 minutes).
- Add the carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika and pepper. Sauté until the carrots and celery are barely soft (about 2 minutes).
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Add the lentils, tomatoes and broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the vinegar and sugar.
- Serve hot with desired toppings, such as fresh parsley and Parmesan.
Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Lentils
This recipe is vegan and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Sweet potato
- Carrots
- Brown lentils
- Curry powder (mild or hot)
- Ground cloves
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Vegetable broth
- Coconut milk
- Cooked rice to serve
- Finely diced red onion and fresh cilantro to serve
Method:
- Add the onion, garlic, sweet potato, carrots, lentils, curry powder, cloves, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and vegetable broth to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
- Once cooked, the lentils should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
- Stir the can of coconut milk into the lentils.
- Taste and adjust the salt or other spices as needed.
- To serve, add 1 cup of cooked rice to a bowl followed by 1 cup of the lentil mixture. Top with finely diced red onion and fresh cilantro.
Slow Cooker Lentils With Tomatoes
This recipe can be served with cooked white or brown rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lentils
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 1/2 cup sliced celery
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground marjoram
- 1/8 teaspoon dried sage (crumbled)
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- Shredded cheddar cheese to serve
Method:
- Place all the ingredients (except the cheese) in the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in 9 ounces of cheddar cheese until it is melted.
- Serve hot, topped with more cheese or fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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How to store leftover slow cooker lentils
Slow cookers are a great way to cook lentils, and they can be stored as leftovers for later. Here is a guide on how to store leftover slow cooker lentils:
Storing in the Fridge
Firstly, it is important to let the lentils cool down. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating
When you are ready to eat the lentils again, simply reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you find the lentils are a little dry, you can add a little water or broth to thin them out.
Freezing
If you wish to keep the lentils for longer, you can freeze them. Place the lentils in an airtight, freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat them, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them gently.
Side Dishes
Lentils go well with many side dishes. A crusty loaf of bread is always a good option, especially if it is rosemary olive oil bread. You could also try serving your lentils with sautéed Brussels sprouts or cabbage. A winter salad with kale and pomegranate is another tasty option.
Leftover slow cooker lentils can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for months, making them a convenient and tasty option for future meals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook lentils in a Crock Pot slow cooker.
Place the lentils, broth, onion, carrot, garlic, and spices in the crock of a large slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the lentils are tender.
It is recommended to use brown or green lentils in a Crock Pot slow cooker, as red lentils are more delicate and break down when cooked for a long period.
Cooking lentils in a Crock Pot slow cooker typically takes between 8 and 10 hours on low heat. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the model of your slow cooker and the desired tenderness of the lentils.
