Description
Hearty lentil soup emerges as a nourishing powerhouse, blending Mediterranean flavors with wholesome ingredients. Packed with protein and rich nutrients, this comforting soup invites you to savor each spoonful of wellness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)
- 1 ½ cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (added at the end)
- 1 medium sweet potato or Yukon gold potato, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Combine lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, sweet potato, diced tomatoes, and spices in the crockpot. Pour vegetable broth over the ingredients and thoroughly mix to ensure even distribution of components.
- Slow Cooking: Secure the lid and set the crockpot to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. Allow the mixture to simmer until lentils become perfectly tender and vegetables reach a soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Final Touch: During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, introduce chopped kale or spinach and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Continue cooking until the greens wilt and become vibrant green, absorbing the soup’s rich flavors.
- Serving: Evaluate the seasoning, making subtle adjustments if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and ladle the steaming, nutrient-packed soup into warm bowls. Serve immediately to capture the optimal taste and texture of this detoxifying meal.
Notes
- Rinse lentils thoroughly before adding to prevent excess starchiness and ensure a clearer, cleaner soup texture.
- Chop vegetables into uniform, small pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the soup.
- Toast spices briefly in a dry pan before adding to the crockpot to intensify their aromatic qualities and release more complex flavor profiles.
- Easily make this soup gluten-free and vegan by using certified vegetable broth and checking spice blend ingredients for potential allergens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg