Easy Crock Pot Lentil Soup for a Crowd
Warm Up with Comfort: Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Looking for a hearty, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner? Our Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is the answer! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply enjoying a comforting bowl of goodness. Packed with vegetables and plant-based protein, it’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wellbeing.
Lentil soup is a classic for a reason. It’s incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and naturally vegan and vegetarian. This particular recipe is designed for ultimate convenience – just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic! The result is a flavorful, satisfying soup that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless: Seriously, it’s almost entirely hands-off cooking.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber.
- Flavorful: A blend of cumin, cilantro, and hearty vegetables creates a delicious taste.
- Large Batch: Makes a generous 24 servings – perfect for leftovers or freezing!
- Dietary Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free.
Tips for the Best Lentil Soup:
- Lentil Type: We recommend brown lentils for this recipe as they hold their shape well during slow cooking. Red lentils tend to break down more and create a thicker, creamier soup.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites! Diced carrots, celery, or even sweet potatoes would be delicious additions.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Freezing Instructions: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of ground cumin and cilantro?
A: Yes, you can! Use about 1 tablespoon of each dried herb.
Q: Can I add meat to this soup?
A: Absolutely! Browned sausage or diced ham would be a tasty addition. Add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Reduce the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: Crusty bread for dipping, a side salad, or a dollop of vegan sour cream are all great options.
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 16 ounce bag of dry brown lentils
- 64 ounce vegetable broth
- 32 ounce frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas, green bean mix)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 can (15-ounce) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15-ounce) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 16 ounce frozen chopped spinach
- 1 Tablespoon dry cumin
- 1 Tablespoon dry cilantro
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
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