Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Full Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Shopping List
- Produce: 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 2 cloves garlic, 2 cups fresh spinach, fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- Pantry: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup brown or green lentils, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, salt, black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Variations & Serving Ideas
This wholesome Slow Cooker Lentil Vegetable Soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, offering robust flavors and hearty nutrition. For an even more comforting experience, serve it alongside a warm, crusty loaf of artisan bread perfect for soaking up every last drop, or a fresh, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette. A classic grilled cheese sandwich also makes for a delightful pairing. When serving, ladle into a rustic bowl and consider a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a touch of elegance. This soup is a meal prepper’s dream: leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, and it freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months, making healthy eating convenient for busy weeks.
I truly hope this Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Vegetable Soup becomes a beloved, fuss-free addition to your family’s meal rotation. There’s nothing quite like the ease and comfort it brings to the table, and I’m confident you’ll love the rich flavors developed with minimal effort! Give it a try and let me know in the comments below if you enjoyed this delightful Lentejas Receta. Happy slow cooking! #LentilSoupRecipeEasy #LentilSoupRecipe #HowToMakeLentils #LentilVegetableSoup #LentejasReceta #LentilSoupRecipes #TastyVegetarianRecipes #LentilRecipes #VeganSoup
