Marianne Martinez
Crockpot lentil soup is a hearty, healthy, and comforting meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekends at home. It is also a highly customisable dish, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. The soup is made by slow-cooking lentils with a variety of vegetables, seasonings, and broth. The crockpot allows for a hands-off cooking experience, where you can simply add the ingredients, turn it on, and come back to a delicious meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Lentils, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, broth, garlic, olive oil, parsley, spinach, kale, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, bay leaf, vegetable broth, corn, potatoes, peas, squash, red pepper flakes, ham, chicken, kielbasa sausage, turkey, Parmesan cheese, bread, Swiss chard, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, white vinegar, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, soy sauce, peppercorns, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, marjoram, tortilla chips, Greek yogurt, cilantro, cheese, crusty wheat bread |
| Cook Time | 3-4 hours on high, 6-8 hours on low, or until lentils are cooked through |
| Recipe Notes | No need to cook or soak lentils ahead of time. Use green or brown lentils, not red lentils, which will fall apart. |
| Serving Suggestions | Bread, extra virgin olive oil, pepper, Parmesan cheese, parsley, red pepper flakes |
| Nutrition | 241 calories, 45g carbohydrates, 15g protein, 1g fat |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days, freeze leftovers for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
- Preparation: Chop vegetables and rinse lentils
- Cooking time: Cover and cook on high for 3-6 hours or low for 6-10 hours
- Consistency: Add stock to thin the soup or blend for a creamier texture
- Vegan option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Preparation: Chop vegetables and rinse lentils
Preparing the vegetables and lentils for crock pot lentil soup is simple. First, gather your ingredients. You will need vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and any other vegetables you want to include, such as corn, potatoes, or squash. You will also need lentils, which can be either French green, brown, or red lentils. Keep in mind that red lentils are more delicate and tend to break down when cooked for a long period, so they may not be suitable for crock pot lentil soup.
Once you have your ingredients, start by chopping the vegetables into small pieces. You can do this by hand or use a food processor to save time. If you're using an onion, consider chopping or processing it separately, as onions can release a lot of moisture and change the texture of the other vegetables.
After chopping, rinse the lentils in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. You don't need to soak the lentils before adding them to the crock pot, but giving them a quick rinse will ensure your soup is clean and tasty.
Transfer the chopped vegetables and rinsed lentils to your crock pot as you go. This will save you time and make the cooking process easier. You can also add spices and seasonings to the crock pot at this stage, such as Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, or bay leaves.
Once all your vegetables are chopped, rinsed, and in the crock pot, you're ready to start cooking your lentil soup!
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Cooking time: Cover and cook on high for 3-6 hours or low for 6-10 hours
Once you've prepared your ingredients and added them to the crock pot, it's time to start cooking. Cover the crock pot with its lid and select either a high or low heat setting. The cooking time will depend on the heat setting you choose.
If you're cooking your lentil soup on high, it will take between three and six hours. This is a good option if you're looking for a quicker cook time. However, keep in mind that crock pots can vary, and some recipes suggest cooking on high for only four or five hours, so be sure to keep an eye on your soup to avoid overcooking.
On the other hand, if you opt for a low heat setting, your lentil soup will need to cook for a longer duration, typically between six and ten hours. This extended cooking time allows the flavours to develop and the ingredients to soften and meld together.
The flexibility in cooking time means you can start the soup in the morning before work and come home to a delicious, warm meal. Or, if you're short on time, you can still enjoy a hearty bowl of lentil soup by opting for the shorter cooking duration.
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Consistency: Add stock to thin the soup or blend for a creamier texture
When it comes to making lentil soup in a crock pot, consistency is key. The great thing about this dish is that you can easily adjust the consistency to your liking. If you find that your soup is too thick, simply add some stock to thin it out. You can also do this when reheating leftovers—just add a little water or stock to the soup and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
On the other hand, if you prefer a creamier texture, there are a few things you can do. One option is to use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the crock pot. Alternatively, you can carefully remove about a cup of the cooked soup and blend it in a blender before stirring it back into the crock pot. Repeat this process until you achieve your desired level of creaminess.
If you don't have a blender, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water and then stirring it into your soup. This will help to thicken the soup and give it a creamier texture.
Remember that the soup will continue to thicken as it cools, so if you prefer a thicker consistency, simply let it cool for about 30 minutes before serving. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner soup, you can add stock or water while the soup is still hot.
Lentil soup is a versatile dish that can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Whether you like it thick and creamy or thin and brothy, don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find your perfect consistency.
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Vegan option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
To make vegan crockpot lentil soup, you can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Nutritional yeast is a common substitute for Parmesan in vegan cooking because of its nutty, cheesy flavour. It is deactivated yeast, often sold in the form of yellow flakes or powder, and is rich in B vitamins.
To make the soup, start by sautéing onion, carrot, celery, and spices in a skillet. You can also add garlic at this stage. Transfer the mixture to your crockpot or slow cooker. You can also add potatoes, corn, and spinach to the crockpot. Then, add your lentils, tomatoes, and broth. You can use vegetable broth or vegetable bouillon cubes for a vegan soup.
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the lentils with an immersion blender. You can also blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in to make it creamier. If you want to add some acidity, you can stir in some vinegar and a little sugar.
Finally, serve your lentil soup with nutritional yeast sprinkled on top, along with fresh parsley, and crusty bread on the side.
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Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Once you've cooked your lentil soup, you'll need to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and tasty. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and preserve your crockpot lentil soup:
Refrigeration:
It is recommended to refrigerate your lentil soup in an airtight container. This will help keep the soup fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odours in the refrigerator. The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
If you want to store your lentil soup for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Place the soup in an airtight, freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. This method will allow you to enjoy your lentil soup at a later date without compromising its flavour or texture.
Reheating:
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover lentil soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if it was frozen. You can then gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If needed, add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency and thin out the soup.
Food Safety:
It is important to practice safe food handling when storing and reheating your lentil soup. Always use clean containers and make sure the soup is properly cooled before refrigerating or freezing. Additionally, when reheating, ensure that the soup is heated thoroughly to a safe temperature to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 3-4 hours on high heat or 6-8 hours on low heat.
No, you don't need to soak the lentils before adding them to the crock pot. Simply rinse them to remove any dirt.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and crusty bread are all great toppings for lentil soup.
Green or brown lentils are recommended as they hold their shape better than red lentils, which tend to fall apart.
You can add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and spinach. You can also add spices like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and pepper. For protein, you can add cooked ham, bacon, or sausage.
