Description
This Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Soup is a nourishing, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Made with red lentils, fresh vegetables, and warming spices, this recipe is a flavorful, set-it-and-forget-it option ideal for lunch or dinner. Slow-cooked to perfection, the soup offers a comforting blend of textures and flavors that are both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 bunch kale (about 4 leaves), stems removed and chopped
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
Legumes
- 1 1/2 cups red lentils
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Liquids
- 6 1/2 cups vegetable stock
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients. Wash and chop all vegetables as directed: peel and chop carrots and potatoes, chop bell pepper, celery, kale stems removed, jalapeño, and onion. Press the garlic cloves to release flavor.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker. Place the red lentils, all chopped vegetables, spices, and seasonings into the slow cooker. Pour in the vegetable stock to cover the ingredients completely.
- Cook the Soup. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours or set to high for 5 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution. For a more brothy soup, add an additional 1-2 cups of vegetable stock during cooking.
- Serve. After cooking, check seasoning and adjust if needed. Serve hot with an optional dollop of sour cream and crusty bread on the side for added richness and texture.
Notes
- This soup is perfect for meal prepping since it stores well and flavors develop over time.
- For added protein, garnish with a dollop of sour cream or add cooked chicken on the side.
- Adjust the jalapeño amount or omit it for less heat.
- Adding extra vegetable stock can adjust the soup’s consistency to your liking.
- Use low sodium vegetable stock to reduce sodium content if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 96 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1636 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
