Slow Cooker Vegetable & Lentil Soup
by Amanda Keefer
Looking for a new, healthy, cozy soup for these upcoming cooler months? Try this Slow Cooker Vegetable & Lentil Soup for a filling, nutrient packed, hearty meal. Best part, this soup cooks to perfection easily with the help of the slow cooker. All you have to do is toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do it’s job!
I don’t know about you, but I love easy slow cooker soup recipes. There is nothing better than dumping all of the ingredients in, turning the dial, and enjoying dinner hours later. Perfect for all of us on the run and who want something hot and ready when we get home from running the kids around. This Slow Cooker Vegetable & Lentil Soup is loaded with protein, fiber, and is a budget friendly meal to feed the family.
Last week we made our Coconut Lentil Curry Soup and I had some leftover lentils so wanted to use them up. I used to go to this restaurant back in the day that served up an awesome lentil soup. I haven’t made it in years so decided to break out the slow cooker and toss in some extra vegetables, too. This veggie packed lentil soup turned out great and will now be added to our rotation for soups during the cooler months.
Key Ingredients for this Slow Cooker Vegetable & Lentil Soup
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Green Lentils
- Bell Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Vegetable Broth
What are lentils?
Lentils are a type of legumes that have been around for thousands of years. They are cost efficient and are very filling.
Health Benefits of green Lentils
Lentils are one of the world’s oldest “health foods”. They are loaded in fiber and protein. Protein is great for helping our bodies build and repair muscles, along with helping us stay fuller for longer. Lentils also contain high levels of potassium, folate, and iron. Lentils are a prebiotic food which can help your overall immune system and helps aid in a healthy digestive track.
Make sure to read more about a healthy digestive track on our Food Rx: Foods for Gut Health
How to make this vegetable and lentil soup in the slow cooker
First wash and prep all of your vegetables. Then place the potatoes, carrots, lentils, peppers, mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning in the slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker to either High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours.
Turn off the heat and season with the lemon juice, as desired. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Make sure to PIN IT!
For other lentil recipes, check out our Coconut Lentil Curry Soup or Healthy Mediterranean Lentil Salad!
Frequently asked questions:
Can I use a different broth?
We used low sodium vegetable broth. But yes you could use chicken or even beef broth if that is what you have on hand.
Can I make this lentil soup on the stove top?
Yes, absolutely. You would need to sauté the onions, carrots, mushrooms, and peppers first. Then add in the broth, potatoes, and seasonings. Bring to a boil and then let simmer until the veggies are tender.
Slow Cooker Vegetable and Lentil Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound small red potatoes quartered
- 2 cups chopped carrot
- 2 1/2 cups green lentils
- 2 bell peppers seeded, chopped
- 1/2 pint mushrooms chopped
- 2 sweet onions chopped
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large tomatoes chopped
- 6 cups reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or as needed
Instructions
- Place potatoes, carrots, lentils, peppers, mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomatoes, broth and Italian seasoning in slow cooker and cook on high 4 hours or low 8 hours.
- Turn off heat and season with lemon juice, as desired
