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Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This hearty lentil soup is made using a slow cooker, allowing the flavors of garlic, vegetables, and smoky broth to meld beautifully over hours. The dish features tender, earthy lentils with soft carrots and celery, culminating in a thick, comforting soup with a slightly glossy finish. Perfect for busy days, it offers a nourishing, rustic texture and a warm aroma that fills the kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried brown lentils rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 large carrots finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups vegetable broth homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil good quality
  • 1/2 lemon lemon juiced, about 1 tablespoon
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Sharp Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cup

Method
 

  1. Begin by rinsing the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then set aside.
  2. Prepare your vegetables by finely chopping the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic to release their flavors.
  3. Add the olive oil to your crockpot and set it to low. Once warm, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, hearing a gentle sizzle and smelling the warm aroma of garlic.
  4. Layer in the chopped carrots, celery, and rinsed lentils into the crockpot, then sprinkle the smoked paprika evenly over the ingredients for a smoky depth.
  5. Pour the vegetable broth over everything, ensuring the ingredients are well submerged and covered with liquid, then give it a gentle stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
  6. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. During this time, the lentils will soften and the flavors will meld, filling your kitchen with a warm, earthy aroma.
  7. Around 30 minutes before serving, check that the lentils are tender and beginning to break down, stirring gently if needed. If the soup looks too thick, fold in a splash more broth to loosen it.
  8. Once the lentils are soft and the soup has thickened to your liking, stir in the lemon juice and a pinch of salt, then give everything a final stir to brighten the flavors and add balance.
  9. Taste the soup and adjust the salt or lemon if necessary. Let the soup sit uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the texture to settle.
  10. Serve the lentil soup hot, drizzled with a little extra olive oil if desired, and enjoy its hearty, comforting texture with crusty bread or fresh herbs for garnish.

Notes

For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. Feel free to add greens like spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes for extra color and nutrients.