Cozy Crockpot Lentil Soup

Hey there, friend! Let me tell you about this Crockpot Lentil Soup—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. This recipe is perfect for busy families, picky eaters, and anyone who loves a hearty, healthy meal without a ton of effort. The crockpot does all the work, so you can toss everything in, go about your day, and come back to a house that smells amazing. It’s loaded with veggies, lentils, and cozy flavors that’ll make you feel good inside and out. Bonus: It’s budget-friendly and makes enough to feed a crowd (or freeze for later!).

Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils (any variety, rinsed and drained)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for stirring in at the end)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Tools

• Crockpot (6-quart or larger)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Pro Tips

1. Rinse Those Lentils: Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove any debris or dust. No one likes crunchy surprises!
2. Customize the Veggies: Add whatever veggies your family loves—zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even a handful of frozen peas near the end of cooking.
3. Skip the Lemon for Kids: If your kids aren’t fans of tangy flavors, you can leave out the lemon juice and it’ll still be delish.
4. Don’t Skip the Bay Leaf: It adds a subtle depth of flavor—just remember to fish it out before serving!
5. Use the Right Crockpot Size: A 6-quart crockpot works perfectly for this recipe. Anything smaller might overflow.

Tools Needed

• Crockpot (6-quart or larger)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Substitutions and Variations

• Lentils: Use red lentils for a softer, creamier texture, or green/brown lentils for more bite.
• Broth: Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth or even water with bouillon cubes.
• Spinach: Sub kale or leave it out entirely for a simpler version.
• Spices: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat!

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep the veggies the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just toss everything into the crockpot.
• This soup freezes beautifully! Make a big batch, let it cool, and freeze portions for busy nights.

Instructions

1. Prep Your Veggies

Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.

2. Load the Crockpot

Add the lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

3. Cook Low and Slow

4. Add Spinach (Optional)

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.

5. Finish with Lemon Juice (Optional)

Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve and enjoy!

Leftovers and Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave for an easy, quick meal.

Wrap-Up

There you have it—an easy, comforting Crockpot Lentil Soup that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Perfect for meal prep, cozy nights, or sneaking extra veggies into your family’s diet. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below to share your experience or ask any questions. Happy cooking! 😊