Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Close up image of two bowls of lentil soup with veggies
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
4.44 from 32 votes

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

The easiest slow cooker lentil soup with fresh vegetables is a nutritious budget-friendly meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 10 minutes
Course: Soups, Stews, & Chilies
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 274kcal
Author: Julia

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 medium-sized yellow onion chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 large carrots chopped
  • 3 ribs celery chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper cored and chopped
  • 2 medium-sized yukon gold potatoes chopped
  • 1 ½ cups green lentils
  • 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup or sugar optional
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 Tbsp paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp sea salt to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the avocado oil (or olive oil) in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. For the best flavor, you want the onion to nearly be caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Transfer the sauteed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
    Onion sautéing in a stainless steel skillet
  • Transfer the rest of the ingredients for the lentil soup to the crock pot and stir well.
    Vegetables in a crock pot for lentil stew.
  • Secure the lid on the slow cooker and slow cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or Low for 6 to 8 hours.
    Stirred up ingredients for lentil soup in a crock pot, ready to cook.
  • Once the lentil soup has finished cooking, give it a big stir, discard the bay leaf, and taste the soup for flavor. Add sea salt and/or lemon juice to taste.
    Horizontal image of two white bowls full of lentil stew.
  • Serve lentil soup in big bowls with crusty bread or cornbread.

Video

Notes

For creamy lentil soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired texture.
This soup is more flavorful the longer it sits and tastes even better the next day. If you can make it one day in advance to allow the flavors to develop, it is well worth the patience!
Store any leftover lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze this soup, double bag two large 1-gallon freezer bags and secure them tightly. Freeze for up to three months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving (of 6) | Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 12g