Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of hearty goodness? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Spicy Lentil Soup! Bursting with vibrant flavors and packed with nutritious ingredients, this recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or meal prepping for the week ahead. With just 10 minutes of prep time and the magic of your slow cooker, you can create a delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a comforting, spicy delight that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water, checking for and removing any small stones or debris.
- Prepare the vegetables by finely chopping the onion, dicing the carrots and celery into uniform small pieces, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the slow cooker, creating an even base layer at the bottom of the pot.
- Layer the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic over the lentils, distributing them evenly.
- Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes over the vegetables, including all the liquid from the can.
- Sprinkle the cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
- Slowly pour the vegetable broth into the slow cooker, making sure all ingredients are submerged.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and lentils to become tender.
- After 6 hours, remove the lid and stir the soup thoroughly to integrate all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of yogurt.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking. This not only removes any debris but also helps reduce any potential bitterness.
- Chop Uniformly: For even cooking, make sure your vegetables are chopped into uniform sizes. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and enhances the overall texture of the soup.
- Layering Matters: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them in the order listed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, with the lentils soaking up all the delicious juices from the vegetables and spices.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder soup, feel free to reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love heat, add more to kick up the spice level!
- Taste and Adjust: After cooking, always taste your soup before serving. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Garnish for Flair: Serve your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of yogurt for a creamy contrast. It adds a beautiful touch and enhances the flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
