Food and Recipes Slow Cooker Recipes Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup 4.7 (3) 2 Reviews Tasty, filling, and meat-free, our slow-cooker lentil soup recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. By Southern Living Test Kitchen Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on December 13, 2023 Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Jennifer Causey Active Time: 20 mins Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins Servings: 6 One bowl of this slow-cooker lentil soup is packed with an abundance of protein and fiber yet full of flavors the whole family will love. Best yet, it's as easy as can be to pull together, especially when you let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Lentils don't require soaking, so once your ingredients are prepped and ready, simply toss them in your slow cooker before going about your day. Once tender, you can't skip the most critical step—blending. Processing a portion of the slow-cooker lentil soup in a blender with the center piece removed to allow steam to escape (but covering the opening with a towel, of course) is essential to thickening without flour and loading each spoonful with flavor. Though, our Crockpot lentil soup is a staple any time of year, it's especially warm and comforting in cold months. For meat lovers, there are also lots of easy lentil soup variations to try with meat. Freeze leftovers for an even quicker-fix meal down the road. Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup To make this hearty, comforting soup, you'll need: Lower-sodium chicken broth: If using standard chicken broth, reduce the additional salt added later. Substitute with vegetable stock or broth if keeping the soup vegetarian. Water: Thins the mixture slightly for the right consistency. Petite diced tomatoes: Adds bright tomato flavor. Dried green lentils: The star of this soup, green lentils have a thick skin that helps them keep their shape during cooking. Brown lentils can be substituted if needed, but may not need as much blending at the end of cooking as they'll break down a bit more while cooking. Carrots, red onion, and celery: Add sweetness and flavor as a classic mirepoix, while bulking up the soup. Garlic cloves: For deep, earthy flavor. Dried thyme and marjoram: Lightly floral and sweet. Red wine vinegar: Adds a hit of acidity that balances and brightens the soup. Can substitute with other types of vinegars if needed, including white wine or apple cider vinegar. Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasons the mixture. Flat-leaf parsley: For freshness and color. The soup can also be garnished with fresh thyme if preferred. Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, or opt for pre-grated versions if needed. How To Make Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup Set this lentil soup in the slow-cooker in the morning, and you'll come home to a deliciously warming meal that's ready to serve. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started: Step 1. Combine ingredients in slow-cooker: Stir to combine first 10 ingredients in a slow-cooker.Step 2. Cook soup: Cover and cook on LOW until tender, 6 to 7 hours.Step 3. Blend a portion of the soup: Blend 2 cups of the mixture in a blender, then stir back into the remaining soup.Step 4. Add seasonings, and serve: Stir in vinegar, salt, and pepper. Serve sprinkled with parsley and cheese. How To Store and Reheat Leftover Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, and reheat on the stovetop, back in the slow-cooker, or the microwave until hot throughout before serving. Add a splash of broth to the mixture to adjust the consistency if needed. Can I Make Lentil Soup Without a Slow Cooker? If your slow cooker is already working overtime, this soup can also be prepared on the stovetop. Bring the first 10 ingredients to a boil in a large pot or Dutch oven, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until vegetables and lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 35 to 45 minutes. Continue with Step 3 as directed. What To Serve With Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup This hearty soup is a filling meal all on its own, whether served for lunch or dinner. Pair with crusty bread for dipping, and everyone will be satisfied. You can also serve with a light salad for fresh touch. More Meatless Slow-Cooker Soup Recipes You'll Love Who says vegetarian soups aren't filling? With these hearty slow-cooker recipes, you definitely won't be missing the meat: Slow-Cooker Chipotle Tomato Soup Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup Slow-Cooker Veggie Chili Slow-Cooker Green Minestrone Slow-Cooker Black Bean Soup Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup Ingredients 5 cups lower-sodium chicken broth 2 cups water 1 (14-oz.) can petite diced tomatoes 2 cups dried green lentils 3 medium (3 oz. each) carrots, sliced into 1/4-in.-thick rounds (about 1 cup) 1 small (6 oz.) red onion, chopped (about 1 cup) 3 medium (2 oz. each) celery stalks, cut into 1/2-in. cubes (about 3/4 cup) 2 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tsp.) 1/4 tsp. dried thyme 1/4 tsp. dried marjoram 1 1/2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2/3 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated with a Microplane grater (about 1/4 cup) Directions Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Stir together broth, water, tomatoes, lentils, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, and marjoram in a 5-quart slow cooker. Cook soup: Cover and cook on LOW until lentils and vegetables are tender, 6 to 7 hours. Blend a portion of the soup: Transfer 2 cups lentil mixture to a blender. Secure lid on blender, and remove center piece to allow steam to escape. Place a clean towel over opening. Process until smooth, about 45 seconds. Stir back into mixture in slow cooker. Add seasonings, and serve: Stir in vinegar, salt, and pepper. Ladle soup evenly into 6 bowls; sprinkle with parsley and cheese. Frequently Asked Questions Should you soak lentils before slow-cooking? While rinsing the lentils before cooking can help remove any bits of debris, soaking is not needed. They'll cook up perfectly tender in the slow cooker. Can you overcook lentils in soup? Green lentils are able to hold their shape during cooking. Brown lentils will break down more easily, and red and yellow lentils will become soft and mushy if overcooked. Cook the soup just until the lentils are tender. If overcooked, skip the blending portion of the recipe. What proteins can I add to lentil soup? When making this soup, feel free to add in a meaty ham bone (shred after cooking) or sausage. You can also stir in shredded cooked chicken or crumbled bacon at the end of cooking. Can I skip blending lentil soup at the end of cooking? Blending helps thicken the soup, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a thinner consistency. You can also ditch the blender in favor of blending a small portion of the soup with an immersion blender. Rate It Print