Description
This hearty and flavorful Vegan Lentil Soup is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and comforting meal. Prepared in a slow cooker, it blends tender lentils with aromatic herbs and leafy greens for a perfect year-round dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Greens
- 2 cups spinach or kale (added at the end)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a crockpot, add the rinsed lentils, diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the lentils and vegetables are fully tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add Greens: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach or kale. Allow it to wilt gently in the heat of the soup without overcooking, preserving its bright color and nutrients.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm, either on its own or accompanied by crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or vice versa depending on your preference.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end of cooking.
- If using canned lentils, reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- For a chunkier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before adding the greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: vegan lentil soup, lentil soup, vegan soup, slow cooker soup, healthy soup, plant-based protein, easy vegan meal
