Ella Walter
Cooking lentils in a crock pot is a great, low-fuss way to prepare this versatile, tasty, and nutritious ingredient. With a slow cooker, you can let lentils cook to perfection while you spend time with family or attend to other tasks. This method also fills your home with a delicious aroma! You can cook lentils from raw in a crock pot, but it's important to note that you'll need a lot more water than you would when cooking on a stovetop—about four times as much water as lentils. You can also cook dried beans in a crock pot, but they'll need to be soaked first, unless you want to risk overcooking other ingredients in your dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Lentils, broth, onion, carrot, garlic, spices, salt |
| Type of lentils | Regular, green, or brown lentils; red lentils will become mushy |
| Water quantity | 4 times the amount of water as lentils |
| Soaking | Not necessary, but can be soaked overnight in the crock pot |
| Cooking time | 8-10 hours on low |
| Add-ins | Meat, vegetables, spices, cheese |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Crockpot lentil soup with ham
To make crockpot lentil soup with ham, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of diced cooked ham
- 1 1/2 cups of French green lentils or brown lentils
- 1 to 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 onion
- 2 to 3 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil
- Bay leaf
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Pepper
The night before, you can do all the cutting and most of the measuring, including sautéing the onions. Then, simply dump everything into the crockpot in the morning.
To prepare the lentils, rinse them to remove any dirt, then add the raw lentils to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. You do not need to cook the lentils before adding them to the slow cooker.
First, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until it is soft and beginning to brown, which should take about 8 minutes. Next, add the carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the carrots are barely soft. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer these ingredients to a 3 1/2-quart or larger slow cooker.
Then, add the ham, lentils, celery, carrots, garlic, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir in the chicken broth, water, and tomato sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 11 hours, until the lentils are tender. Before serving, discard the bay leaf.
This soup tastes even better the next day and is great for leftovers. You can also double the recipe and save some for dinners and lunches throughout the week.
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How much water to use
The amount of water you need to cook lentil beans in a crock pot depends on the quantity of lentils you are cooking and your desired consistency. A general rule of thumb is a 3:1 ratio of liquid to lentils. For example, if you are cooking 3 cups of lentils, you would need 6 cups of liquid.
However, this ratio can be adjusted depending on your preferred consistency. If you prefer a softer lentil, you can add more liquid to the crock pot, following a 2:1 or even a 1:1 ratio. Conversely, if you prefer a firmer lentil, you can reduce the amount of liquid and aim for a 4:1 ratio.
It is important to note that the cooking time will also affect the consistency of your lentil beans. For softer lentils, extend the cooking time to 30-35 minutes. For firmer lentils, reduce the cooking time accordingly.
Additionally, the type of lentil you are using may also impact the amount of water needed. For example, red lentils are more delicate and tend to break down when cooked for a long period, so you may need to adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.
When cooking lentil beans in a crock pot, it is also recommended to use water, broth, or stock as the liquid. You can then season the liquid to add flavor to your lentil beans.
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To soak or not to soak
When it comes to cooking lentils in a crock pot, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, lentils are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, and they can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes. Secondly, they are inexpensive and versatile, making them an excellent option for a main meal or a side dish. Their earthy taste pairs well with many different flavours and types of vegetables.
Now, when it comes to soaking lentils, there are a few schools of thought. Some people choose to soak their lentils before cooking them in a crock pot, while others prefer to cook them unsoaked. Here are the pros and cons of each method:
Soaking lentils before cooking them in a crock pot can help to reduce the cooking time, as the lentils will absorb water and become softer. This is especially true for older lentils, which tend to take longer to cook. Additionally, soaking can help to remove any dirt or impurities from the lentils. However, one potential downside of soaking lentils is that it can make them mushy, especially if they are soaked for too long.
On the other hand, cooking lentils unsoaked in a crock pot can lead to a firmer texture, which some people prefer. It is also one less step in the cooking process, making it more convenient. However, cooking unsoaked lentils may take longer, and they may not be as soft as soaked lentils.
Ultimately, the decision to soak or not to soak lentils before cooking them in a crock pot comes down to personal preference and the desired texture of the lentils. If you are short on time or prefer a firmer lentil, then cooking them unsoaked may be the best option. However, if you want to reduce the cooking time or prefer softer lentils, then soaking them beforehand may be the way to go.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for lentil beans in a crock pot depends on several factors, including the type of lentil, the desired texture, and the specific recipe. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the cooking time for lentil beans in a crock pot:
When cooking lentil beans in a crock pot, it is essential to use the right type of lentils. It is recommended to use regular, green, or brown lentils as they hold their shape and texture well during the cooking process. While red lentils can be used, they tend to break down and release their starch, which may not be desirable for certain recipes.
The cooking time for lentil beans in a crock pot can vary depending on the desired texture. If you prefer your lentils to be tender, cooking them on low heat for 8 to 10 hours is recommended. This longer cooking time ensures that the lentils become soft and tender without falling apart. However, if you prefer a softer lentil, you can extend the cooking time to 30-35 minutes when cooking on the stovetop.
Additionally, the specific recipe you are following will also impact the cooking time. For example, when making crockpot lentil soup, the cooking time may range from 4 to 8 hours on high heat. This longer cooking time allows all the ingredients in the soup, including the lentils, to cook thoroughly and develop flavour.
It is important to note that crock pots can vary in terms of heat distribution and cooking intensity, so adjusting the cooking time based on your specific crock pot may be necessary. It is always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines for your particular crock pot model to ensure optimal results.
Lastly, when cooking lentil beans in a crock pot, it is crucial to use the appropriate amount of liquid, typically water or broth. Lentils absorb a significant amount of liquid during cooking, so ensuring there is enough liquid to prevent the dish from drying out is essential. As a general rule of thumb, use four times the amount of liquid as you have lentils. For example, if you're cooking 2 cups of lentils, you'll need at least 8 cups of liquid.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your crockpot lentil beans is easy. Once the lentils are cooked, let them cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you don't plan on eating the lentils within 5 days, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
When you're ready to enjoy your lentils again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, transfer the lentils to a pot and warm them over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water or additional broth to thin as needed.
It's important to note that if you're freezing your lentils, they should be defrosted before reheating. This can be done by letting them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or defrosting them in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the crockpot.
Some people also like to add extra ingredients to their lentils before serving to enhance the flavor. You can add chopped spinach or kale, removing the lid and allowing the greens to gently wilt before serving. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or some optional toppings.
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Frequently asked questions
You need about 4 times the amount of water as you have lentils. For example, if you're cooking 2 cups of lentils, then you'll need at least 8 cups of water.
No, you do not need to cook lentils before adding them to the crock pot. Raw lentils cook well in the crock pot and will be tender by the time the dish is done.
Regular, green, or brown lentils are recommended as they hold their shape and texture. Red lentils will work but will not hold their texture and will release starch quickly.
The cooking time depends on the recipe. For crock pot lentil soup, the cooking time is 4 hours on high. For crock pot Moroccan lentils, the cooking time is 8 to 10 hours on low.
Yes, you can cook veggies in with your lentil beans. You can also add meat such as cooked ham, bacon, or sausage.
