Slow Cooker Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Slow Cooker Soup Recipes Magic!

Fancy a hug in a bowl? Honestly, who doesn’t? This slow cooker soup recipes is not just food, it's a flavor party waiting to happen! This soup has warming spices and filling lentils, perfect for all.

Quick Hook: It's Soup erb!

Ever wonder how to make dinner practically cook itself? I'm about to let you in on a little secret. These slow cooker soup recipes are the answer.

Packed with veggies, lentils, and a hint of spice, this soup's going to be your new best friend.

Brief Overview: From Humble Beginnings

This hearty dinner recipes crock pot is inspired by veggie soups enjoyed all around the world, given a comforting, modern twist.

This is an easy recipe, taking about 20 minutes to prep, then 6- 8 hours on low or 3- 4 hours on high in the slow cooker.

This recipe makes 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits: Healthy, Hearty, and Happy

Want a nutritious boost? This healthy slow cooker soup recipes is packed with fiber and protein, keeping you full and energized.

This soup is excellent for those cold winter evenings. This soup is special because it’s so versatile! You can customize it to your heart's content and the slow cooker does all the work! It’s a real lifesaver on busy days.

Alright, let's get this sorted. The key to crock pot soup and stew recipes is all about layering flavors and adding ingredients in the right order.

Adding the potatoes and zucchini later in the cook is key so that you don't end up with mush.

Ingredients You'll Need

Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret Sauce to Cracking Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

Alright, let's get this sorted. Making slow cooker soup recipes is easier than boiling an egg! But having the right bits and bobs can make all the difference.

No need to be a pro chef! We're going for easy slow cooker soup recipes .

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Chopping!

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Go for extra virgin for that proper flavor!
• Yellow onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 1/2 cups ). Don't skimp on the onion; it's the base!
• Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped (about 1 cup ). The brighter the better.
• Celery: 2 stalks , chopped (about 1 cup ). Crunch is key!
• Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is a must, trust me on this one.
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon . Dried herbs are your friend here!
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon . Thyme gives it that lovely earthy note.
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds a lovely smoky depth.
• Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). If you like a bit of a kick.
• Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Low sodium if you're watching the salt.
• Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can (411g) , undrained. No need to drain them!
• Lentils: 1 cup (200g) , brown or green, rinsed. I used green, they hold up well.
• Bay leaf: 1 large . Don't forget to take it out before serving!
• Potatoes: 1 cup (approx. 200g) , chopped. Yukon Gold are fab here.
• Zucchini: 1 cup (approx. 150g) , chopped. Freshness matters.
• Green beans: 1 cup (approx. 100g) , chopped. Adds a nice pop of color.
• Parsley: 1/2 cup , chopped, plus extra for garnish. Fresh is always best.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Season, season, season!
• Lemon wedges: Optional, for serving. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything up.

When picking your veggies, go for ones that are firm and vibrant. Bruised veggies won't do hearty dinner recipes crock pot justice.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bomb Alert!

The oregano, thyme, and paprika combo is magic for crock pot soup and stew recipes . A touch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely warmth.

If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do in a pinch. Fresh herbs always elevate the dish, so chuck in a handful if you've got them.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

• 6-quart slow cooker (or larger). This is your MVP!
• Chopping board. Safety first, always.
• Sharp knife. A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
• Measuring cups and spoons. For those precise measurements.
• Can opener. For the diced tomatoes, obviously.

Don't have a slow cooker? No worries! A large pot on the stove will do. Just simmer it on low for a few hours, stirring occasionally.

It’s stew recipe crockpot without the crockpot!

Slow Cooker Soup Recipes: Hearty Vegetable & Lentil Soup

Alright, let's get this sorted, shall we? I’m properly chuffed to share my take on slow cooker soup recipes ! This recipe for Hearty Vegetable & Lentil Soup is the sort of dish that makes you feel like you’re winning at life.

Honestly, dump and start slow cooker soup is my go-to on busy days.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place, darling! It's French, but it means "everything in its place". Chop your onion, carrots, and celery.

Mince your garlic. Measure out your spices and lentils. Time saving organization tips : Do all your chopping the night before, if you like.

Pop everything in separate containers. It'll save you a few precious minutes in the morning. You know? I once cut myself trying to rush while chopping an onion.

Always take your time and focus, you don't want any accidents.

step-by-step: Slow Cooker Magic

Right then, here's how to turn veggies into a proper comforting Crock Pot soup and stew recipes :

1. Sauté your aromatics (onion, carrots, celery, garlic) in a tablespoon of olive oil for about 5- 7 minutes until softened. Trust me, it's worth it!
2. Chuck those softened veggies into your 6-quart slow cooker .
3. Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, and a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours , until lentils are tender.
5. Stir in potatoes, zucchini, and green beans during the last hour of cooking.
6. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning, especially salt and pepper.
7. Ladle and serve with extra parsley and a lemon wedge, if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Don’t skip the sauté! It deepens the flavor. Common mistake is thinking, "Oh, I'll just chuck it all in." Don't! Also, brown or green lentils are your friends.

Red ones can get mushy. Another good expert technique is to add delicate veggies (zucchini, green beans) later to avoid mush.

This recipe is a great way to get a healthy slow cooker soup recipes .

Recipe Notes for the Best Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

Right then, let's get this sorted, shall we ? Before you dive headfirst into this amazing Slow Cooker Hearty Vegetable & Lentil Soup , there are a few bits and bobs to keep in mind.

These little notes will help you customize the recipe and make it your own. This recipe can be your own Easy Slow Cooker Soup Recipes .

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Grub On!

Think about how you want to present this beauty. A rustic bowl? A fancy plate? It's up to you. For a simple yet elegant touch, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serve alongside a big hunk of crusty bread perfect for dipping! A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette is always a winner.

It provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup. I love a dollop of pesto, too.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!

If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens!), pop it in the fridge. It'll keep for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers. It'll last for up to 3 months .

When reheating, either microwave it (easy peasy!) or gently heat it on the hob. Add a splash of water or broth if it's looking a bit thick.

Variations: Mix it Up, Mate!

Want to spice things up? Add a chopped jalapeño for a fiery kick. Or maybe you prefer it creamy? Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end.

For a Vegetarian Slow Cooker Soup , this recipe is already a winner. Need it gluten-free? Double check your vegetable broth.

Brown or green lentils hold their shape better than red lentils. A hearty dinner recipes crock pot can change as you see fit!.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This soup is packed with goodness! Each serving is around 250 calories , with a whopping 15g of protein and 15g of fiber .

It's a great source of vitamins and minerals thanks to all those veggies. Lentils are a brilliant source of plant based protein and iron.

This soup is a hug in a bowl that's also good for you! It's like winning at life.

Alright, you're all set! Now go forth and conquer those slow cooker soup recipes ! Hope this becomes one of your favourite Crock Pot Soup And Stew Recipes .

There are plenty of Hearty Dinner Recipes Crock Pot that you can try!. I bet you will find this recipe easy and fast.

Feel free to adjust the spices and seasoning to your liking. Enjoy!