Cody Casey
Cooking lentils in a crock pot is an easy and versatile way to prepare a hearty meal. Crockpot lentil soup is a nutritious and tasty dish, and the cooking time will depend on the type of lentil and the consistency you desire. For a simple lentil soup, crock pots are a great option as they require minimal preparation and can be left to cook slowly, filling your home with a delicious aroma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of lentils | Regular, green, brown, red |
| Time taken to cook lentils in an instant pot | 20 minutes |
| Time taken to cook lentils in a crock pot | 30 minutes |
| Time taken to cook lentils in a slow cooker | 6 hours |
| Time taken to cook lentils on a stove | 20-25 minutes |
| Time taken to cook lentils on a stove for a softer texture | 30-35 minutes |
| Time taken to cook lentils in an instant pot under pressure | 9 minutes to cook, 10 minutes to build pressure, 10 minutes to release pressure |
| Time taken to cook lentils in an instant pot under pressure with a longer release | 9 minutes to cook, 10 minutes to build pressure, 15 minutes to release pressure |
| Time for which cooked lentils can be stored in the refrigerator | 4-5 days |
| Time for which cooked lentils can be stored in the freezer | 1 month to 3 months |
| Time for which cooked lentils can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container | Up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Crockpot lentil soup recipes
Crockpot lentil soup is a nutritious, hearty, and relatively easy meal to make. It is also vegan and gluten-free. Here is a simple recipe to make crockpot lentil soup:
Ingredients:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Shallot
- Lentils
- Vegetable stock
- Canned tomatoes
- Bay leaf
- Dried thyme
- Swiss chard
- Red wine vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Ground cumin
- Parsley
Instructions:
- Place the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and shallot into the crockpot along with the lentils, vegetable stock, canned tomatoes, bay leaf, and dried thyme.
- Cover the crockpot with a lid and set the cooking time for 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW.
- Cut the swiss chard into bite-sized pieces and put them in a covered bowl in the refrigerator.
- When the cooking time is up, add the swiss chard, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cumin.
- Stir in the parsley 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
You can also add ingredients like ground turkey, chicken, or beef if you are not vegan or vegetarian. Additionally, if you want to add some heat to your soup, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight as it requires very little time and effort.
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Cooking times for different lentil colours
The cooking time for lentils varies depending on their colour. In general, orange, yellow, or red lentils take the least amount of time to cook, around 15 to 25 minutes. Brown and green lentils take a bit longer, around 25 to 30 minutes, and black lentils fall in between, taking about 20 to 25 minutes.
Red lentils are the softest type and can be used in dahls and soups. They are also commonly used in Indian cuisine and can be added to dishes like falafel. Brown and green lentils are similar and hold their shape well, making them ideal for vegan meatloaf, stews, burgers, sandwiches, and taco fillings. Black lentils are less common but add a nice touch to dishes like Indian Dahl.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and desired texture. For example, some recipes may call for softer lentils, which would require a longer cooking time. Additionally, old lentils may take longer to cook, and pre-soaking them can help reduce cooking time.
When cooking lentils, it is recommended to use a pot with water or broth/stock. For every cup of lentils, use two cups of liquid. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender, which will depend on the type of lentil and the desired texture. Remember to sort and rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any debris or small stones.
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Storing and reheating crockpot lentils
Storing crockpot lentils:
Allow your lentils to cool down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you wish to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating crockpot lentils:
Lentils stored in the refrigerator can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, transfer the lentils to a pot and warm them over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If using the microwave, place the lentils in a microwave-safe container, add a small amount of water or broth to prevent them from drying out, and heat them until they are warmed through.
If you have frozen your lentils, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the above methods.
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How to prepare lentils for the crockpot
Preparing lentils for the crockpot is a simple and straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Selecting and Preparing the Lentils:
Start by choosing the right type of lentils for your crockpot dish. It is recommended to use regular, green, or brown lentils as they hold their shape and texture better during slow cooking. While red lentils can also be used, they tend to break down and release starch quickly.
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. This step ensures that your final dish is clean and free of debris.
Cooking the Lentils:
Place the rinsed lentils in your crockpot or slow cooker. Cover them with water, broth, or stock, ensuring that the liquid level is sufficient—a general guideline is to use about 3 cups of liquid for every 1.5 cups of lentils.
Add your desired seasonings and flavorings. You can use salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a seasoning packet that comes with some lentil brands. If you're feeling creative, experiment with herbs like rosemary, or spices like curry powder, turmeric, ginger, or garlic for a Southeast Asian flair.
Secure the lid on your crockpot, making sure that the valve is set to "sealing" if your model has one. Set the cooker to cook on low heat for approximately 6 hours or until the lentils are tender. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so adjust the timing accordingly.
Serving and Storing:
Once the lentils are cooked to your desired tenderness, carefully remove them from the crockpot and drain any excess liquid. Taste the lentils and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the lentils as a hearty stew or as a side dish. They pair well with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs like parsley.
If you have leftovers or want to prepare a large batch, crockpot lentils can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Now you're all set to enjoy delicious, tender lentils prepared in your crockpot!
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Other ingredients to add to crockpot lentils
Cooking lentils in a Crock Pot is a great way to make a hearty and healthy meal. While lentils are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, they are a common ingredient in soups and curries. Here are some other ingredients that go well with crockpot lentils:
Vegetables
Vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, collard greens, and tomatoes can add flavour, colour, and nutrition to your lentil dish. You can also add garlic, either in its peeled and minced form or as a powder. Sautéing the vegetables, especially onions, before adding them to the crockpot can enhance their flavour and give your dish a deeper taste.
Spices and Herbs
Mediterranean spices such as rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, and bay leaf can add a distinct aroma and flavour to your lentil dish. You can also add paprika, either smoked or regular, to give it a mild spiciness and a vibrant colour. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be used as toppings to add a burst of flavour to your lentil soup.
Broth or Stock
Using chicken or vegetable broth/stock can add depth of flavour to your lentil dish. It is recommended to use low-sodium broth to avoid making the dish overly salty.
Dairy
Parmesan cheese can be added as a topping to provide a savoury flavour. Alternatively, you can add a Parmesan rind to your crockpot while cooking, which will release delicious bursts of Parmesan flavour into the broth. If you need to keep the dish dairy-free, you can use nutritional yeast instead.
Vinegar
Adding vinegar, such as red wine vinegar, can bring balance, brightness, and a tangy flavour to your lentil dish.
Meat
While lentils are often used as a meat substitute, you can also add meat to your crockpot lentils. Chicken pieces or Italian sausage can be incorporated into a lentil soup or stew.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 6 hours to cook lentils in a Crock Pot Express.
No, you don't need to cook the lentils before adding them to the Crock Pot Express. Simply rinse the lentils to remove any dirt, then add them raw to the Crock Pot Express with the other ingredients.
You can use regular, green, or brown lentils in the Crock Pot Express. Red lentils will also work, but they won't hold their texture and will release their starches into the dish.
If you want softer lentils, increase the cooking time to 30-35 minutes.
Leftover lentils cooked in the Crock Pot Express can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
