Lentil Soup in a Slow Cooker or Crockpot
By cclitgirl
Save Time
Save the scraps from your vegetables and put in a freezer bag. Store them in the freezer. When the freezer bag gets full, use those vegetables to make easy vegetable broth.
It's a cold winter's day. The chair by the fire is calling your name and you're anxious to get back to that book. Yet, dinner is on your mind. It's hours away, but the preparations need to start now to be ready in time.
The solution? Lentil soup in the slow cooker. It's like having your cake and eating it, too. After preparing all the ingredients, you'll have time to curl up by the fire and warm those toes. You'll find out what happens on page 247 in your paperback novel because you'll have the afternoon to read instead of toiling over the stove. It's almost like...someone else cooked dinner.
More About Lentils
- This legume has been around for a long time. The Old Testament talks about Esau and Jacob exchanging a bowl of lentil soup.
- It has been in the Middle East for over 8000 years.
- It is high in folate, iron and protein.
- Unlike beans, lentils don't have to be soaked prior to cooking.
- They exist in a variety of colors, but you usually see green or brown in the US because they retain their color and texture really well after cooking.
Preparing Lentils
Dry lentils come in packaged bags. Before washing, separate out any warped or damaged lentils, small stones or other debris. Use a strainer and rinse them well with water.
Get Rid of Garlic Smell
After cutting garlic, onions and gingerroot, your hands often carry the smell of those vegetables. Solve that by running your hands over real silver. For some reason, it all but reduces the leftover smell on your hands!
More Slow Cooker Recipes
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Ingredients
1/2 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 tbsp gingerroot, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bag of dry lentils (16 oz.)
1 package of hot dogs, sliced
2 cups vegetable broth
4 cups water
1 tsp. sea salt
more salt and cracked peppercorns to taste
1/2 tsp. rubbed sage
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Variations:
Isn't it maddening when you go to make something, and you find that you don't have all the ingredients?
- Instead of garlic, you can use garlic salt, and add less regular salt
- "Veggie dogs" work just as well as regular hot dogs
- Instead of sage, you can try adding a little parsley
- You can always add other vegetables: celery, squash, and water chestnuts are particularly good
Cook:
Load all ingredients except Parmesan cheese into slow cooker. Set to high and cook for 4 hours. Spoon into bowls with a ladle and garnish with the Parmesan cheese. Serve with some homemade bread if you wish.
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Why Use a Crock Pot
You already know that using a slow cooker saves time, but there are so many other reasons to use one!
- You can save a lot of energy. It's a green proposition!
- It makes the house smell incredible. There's nothing like coming home from work to the home-cooked aroma of lentils or beans in the air.
- Slow-cooked foods have a lot of flavor.
- They are relatively inexpensive to purchase.
- They're ideal for the culinary-challenged types among us. The slow-cooking actions release and infuse spices into the food and allow the food to percolate and absorb them.
- Clean-up is a snap. You use hardly any dishes during preparation and even when you serve the food, you're not having to use a lot of extra dishes - a soup bowl and a bread plate are all you need.
- You don't have to slave over a stove: no stirring, mixing, or watching. You can fix your meal, and pretty much forget about it until serving time. (Sometimes I can't resist a good stir every now and then, but if I'm not home, it doesn't matter.)
Related Hubs
Crock Pots can save you money!
Feeling under the weather and can't or don't want to cook? Doctor yourself with Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup.
Would you like to see more slow cooker recipes? Why not check out Crock Pot Recipes For You?
Did you know that you can bake bread in a slow cooker? Click over to the hub on Slow Cooker Recipes: How to Bake Bread and Other Things.
Still haven't had enough? Look at the hub on Slow Cooker, Crock Pot for Dummies. Yum!
Eating Slow Cooker food is not only delicious, but it's healthy, too. Click over to Weight Watchers Crock Pot Recipes to learn more.
Since slow cookers are a "green" proposition, look at other ways of saving energy: Cut Your Electric Bill Without Really Trying.
Where does your power come from? Do you really know? Sure, it comes from the power companies. But where to they get their power? You might be surprised. Look at the hub on Coal-Powered Electricity.
Comments
This is a great hub, because it is more than a recipe. I like your commentary and side tips. The hot dogs were a surprise in this interesting recipe! I love lentils and will try this with the veggie dogs. Voted up and now following.
Wow! Thanks, ChaplinSpeaks. I also enjoy your hubs! Thanks for reading and for the comments and votes. :)
Mmm...lemon juice is another wonderful thing to add! Thanks, Sunshine. I'm going to try that as a variation when I make this again. :)
Yummy! Good hub.
Glad you like it, sagecarter. :) Let me know if you try the recipe out. :)
yum yum yum.. More comfort soups! I will definately try this one! Thank you so much for sharing!
Blessings,
Lisa
Glad you like it, Rusticliving/Lisa. :) Let me know how it turns out.
Delicious, thanks so much.
Now it's time to get back to that book!!!!!!
I'm reading and reading and reading...and I don't have to worry about dinner! Haha, GoodLady, you're right!
Oh my goodness, this soup would really hit the spot. I guess I should start shopping for a slow cooker!
Hehe...Simone, if you need a slow cooker, look online. But once you get one, you'll never want to be without it in the winter. :)
This recipe sounds delicious. I've got to try it soon. Also, I totally agree with you that cooking with a crock pot makes the house smell sooooooooo wonderful!
Mmm...that lingering aroma of slow cooked food emanating to the front door so that after a long day's work, you can come home, make some tea and eat a nice, yummy healthy dinner. You are right, Om. :) Thanks for stopping by.
Looks great. Will try this soon. Thanks!
I have never tried lentils before but after reading this article I might just try and make some. Thank you for the recipe!
congrats for the hub of the day!
yummy lentil soup!
chamilj - let me know how it turns out. :)
louis - try 'em! You just might like 'em. Hehe.
geebhim - yummy stuff. Thank you all for stopping by. Enjoy those lentils.
Sounds like a great soup for a cold winter's night! I'm just starting to use lentils a little more so I might give this one a try:)
I love soup and I love using my slow cooker so this recipe is perfect! I'm bookmarking this recipe and making it this week when I head back to work. Thanks for the great recipe and congrats on the hub of the day!
I have a very similar recipe tucked away in my personal blog. I usually use parsley. Have you tried coriander leaves? You may find that interesting. Your Hub is very well written, particularly as you discuss the nutritional side of it and the detail about crock pot. I kind of snapped at the idea and want to try your other crock pot recipes.
Yummy!!! Sounds delicious. I have to try this recipe. Thanks for the lot of side information. Happy New Year 2012!!!
Kris, thanks for stopping by. :) There's nothing like warm soup ready when you get home in the winter. Yum.
cardelean - thanks for reading. I hope you like the recipe. :0) I have chili in the slow cooker today. There's just something yummy about having soup ready when you get home.
sen.sush23 - thank you for your input. Next time I make this, you gave me a great idea: I'm going to try it with coriander (cilantro) and sour cream on the side. Mmmmm.
Thelma - Happy New Year! I can't wait for you to try this recipe. Let me know how it turns out. :)
YAY! Congratulations on Hub of The Day! We should all enjoy a bowl of Lentil Soup today in honor of this fantastic hub!:)
Good hub going to try your recipe, congrats on hub of the day
Thank you, Sonshine625 and gogogo. I really hope you like it. :) Awww...I wish I could make everyone here a crockpot-full of lentil soup and some homemade bread and have you all over. ;)
I just put Northern beans in the slow cooker early this morning. Your recipe looks good. I love hot dogs. Congrats on the Hub Of The Day.
mmm.... great hub recipe! I'm posting this on facebook because we sure are having the weather for a nice bowl of lentil soup!
Moonlake - if you have a great Northern beans recipe, I'd love you to make a hub about it! I have all these frozen northern beans that were extras from a recipe I wasn't very excited about. I need to find a yummy recipe for them. :)
techygran - thank you so much for the facebook share. I really appreciate it. You're awesome and I hope you enjoy the soup.
I was thinking about getting an ceramic iron pot like the french La Crouset or La chasseur rather than another electronic gadget. Any advice here? By the way well done with this hub!
barryrutherford - hmmm. Do you have a woodstove? You can use a cast-iron dutch oven to make this meal - electricity free! Same thing - just stick all the ingredients in and let them simmer on the woodstove for a few hours. I would be interested to see how the cooking goes in a ceramic iron pot. :)
How did I miss this as Hub of the Day?! I cannot wait to make this in my slow cooker as soon as I get the icky sauerkraut out of it :D
Im such a dumb dumb - I missed it because today's the day its Hub of the Day.
Hehe, Ardie. You crack me up. You're not a dumb dumb - your an Awesome Hubber. :) I continue to be inspired by you. I just love your hubs!
Watch out for that sauerkraut. Hehe. Spray with some vinegar, wait 5 mins and it should come off. :D
Congratulations on having this Hub chosen as Hub of the Day. You presented the information in such a warm and cozy way. I also enjoyed reading the tips for getting rid of garlic smell. I look forward to reading more of your work. Voted Up
Nom nom! Lentil soup is so gorgeous and comforting. Just the thing for a winter's day. I'm going to invest in a slow cooker now. There's nothing like the smell of fresh coffee and a freshly cooked meal to greet you after a busy day. Well done. A well deserved hub of the day.
Had to stop back by and say - Congratulations on Hub of the Day! You definitely deserved the award.
Awesome! I just got a slow cooker (I think a lot of people did for the holiday...) and am so excited to start using it... Thanks for the recipe!
Yum...I can almost taste it! Love soup and love the fact that i can make it in my slow cooker. Tonite I am making split pea soup but this will be on the agenda for later in the week as soon as I can get what i need. Thanks for sharing this....winter and soup...like peanut butter and jelly!!!
Really well done. Congrats on HOTD!
This sounds really yummy. I am bookmarking for making very soon. Congrats on hub of the day!
No woods stove but no room for any more kitchen gadgets like a slow cooker...
I recently read that slow cookers are "making a comeback." I must be ought of touch, because my slow cooker never stopped being a valuable asset in my kitchen. Have made lentil soup in the slow cooker and wouldn't make it any other way.
Aww...I am feeling some HubLove! Thanks so much everyone for your responses!
Nancy - let me know how the silver/garlic remedy works for you. :)
Peanutritious - thank you for such nice comments.
Chaplinspeaks - your hub recipe helped to inspire me to write this recipe. :D Congrats back to you on your Hubs of the Day!
Glassvisage - your slow cooker will be a very good friend to you in the winter. :)
pstraubie48 - mmm...split pea soup sounds good, too. I challenge you to a split pea hub.
Dirt Farmer - I really like that name. If only I'd been a little more creative with mine. :) Thanks for stopping by.
Homesteadbound - you're my hero. You awesome hubber, you! Congrats on being the #1 2011 Hubber!!!!
barryrutherford - no worries. Just get a great, big seasoned pan and cook for about 30 mins on med-high heat until lentils are done.
L.L.Woodard - my mother-in-law gave me a slow cooker when I got married 10 years ago - and I've used it as a staple in my kitchen ever since. Mmmmm...thanks for stopping by!
This sounds both delicious and healthy! I am trying to get used to Ginger Root as my wife cooks with ginger quite often. I don't think I have ever tried lentils but I have heard of them. I will save this for that cold day when I want something nutritious and hot! I also like how you mention freezing extra vegetables for later use in a soup broth. Great idea! Congrats on the Hub of the Day! Voted up!
JSMatthew~
J.S. - Thank you for stopping by and reading. I had only discovered ginger a few years ago but now I cook and make tea with it very often. Thank you for the vote. :)
Great job cclitgirl. congratulations on hub of the day. Lentils soup is a wonderful cold night meal along with a loaf of homemade bread.
Ditch the hotdogs...they are poison. Way too much salt and other bad things. Veggie dogs are better, but check the salt.
Try your Lentils Italian Style, with pasta and perhaps tomato sauce.
Thanks, mljdgulley354. Mmmm...it's a very cold night out there tonight! Stay warm! :)
Billrrr - Mmm. I like your suggestions. Well, if it makes you feel better, I used organic hotdogs. But, I'll try with pasta and tomato sauce, too. Great suggestions.
Congrats on hub of the day cclitgirl. My husband and I love lentil soup, but we have a little trouble when it comes to cooking dishes that involves beans. I think I should seriously consider your recommendation to start using a crock pot. Thanks for sharing your recipe and insights in cooking lentil soup.
This is a great way to have a great meal without interrupting your reading. I just purchased Merchant Kings and I am unable to put it down. Love this idea.
There is nothing better than a cup of hot soup on a cold day. Everyone has such good suggestions. Thanks.
very different way of cooking lentils...I love eating lentil soup in any season and your idea will give my lentils a different taste now...Thanks for sharing!
oh wow this is cooked with love :) Thank you for sharing
This looks so good. I love lentils, but I must confess I have been lazy and have eaten the soup courtesy Progresso. Anyway, this looks easy enough. The hot dogs just might be the ticket for getting my kids to take the plunge. Congrats for hub of the day, well deserved.
This sounds pretty good! Never thought of putting my lentils in the crock pot before! I love bean soup this time of year. This looks like a great recipe. Thanks for the recipe and the ideas!
Accolades!
I'm so glad people are liking the lentils. :)
Moiragallaga - Crock pots are the *secret* to winter cooking. :)
platinumOwl4 - Yes, with my crock pot I can read and write to my heart's content while still pretending I slaved for hours. Hehe.
truthfornow - do enjoy a hot cup of soup. It's so cold right now. Brrr.
rosika - thank you for stopping by. Let me know how they turn out - I love making them in any season, too.
twentyfive - oh, yes, crock pot cooking spells love!
wordscribe43 - you may never go back to Progresso once you've made them in the crock pot. ;)
Serena - Mmm. Bean soup, lentils, apple slices, chicken noodle - I make them all in the Dutch oven or the crock pot. Thank you so much for your comments. :)
Congrats on Hub of the Day!
MMmm... I love lentil soup..but my husband does not...so I rarely make it because I cannot eat a whole batch all by myself. (I don't add any meat, and I don't think I'd even use veggie dogs--I put them in mac and cheese, but it doesn't appeal to me for lentil soup.)
**Bright Idea Lightbulb Goes Off!** You can cook a lot in a slow cooker, then package single-servings for the freezer, and pop in the microwave when needed.
Also, save the extra dish of the bread plate, and plop the French bread right on top of the soup and add another sprinkle of cheese. Traditional French Onion Soup is served this way--no law says you can't do the same with other soups!
Great hub--voted up, interesting, useful and awesome!
DzyMsLizzy - I *love* your idea of freezing it into little single servings - it would be so easy to take for lunch. I think I'm going to have to use that idea. :) French Onion soup is one of my favorites!!! Thanks for the votes!
Point out little details that may not be noticeable at first, but become clear after reading your description.
swayaminfotech - thanks for stopping by! :)
Lentils are high in fiber and a good source of protein. A very nutritious meal on a cold winter day...
Ive been married for 6 years and I barely realized how wonderful the crock pot really is. Im always complaining about the amount of dishes I have to clean after every meal or how my pots and pans dont fit well on the stove. Then to discover my crock pot has been there the whole time. My answer to all my problems has been there the whole time. Thank you for sharing your recipe and cannot wait to learn more.
Drwjw1 - You're right. That's one of the things I love about lentils - they are yummy and full of protein.
Natalie - that crock pot is my lifesaver in the winter. It is so easy and scrumptious to start a meal, leave it and have it ready and waiting when you want it. I love not standing over the stove. I am quite busy and it really helps to "fix it and forget it". :)
Love lentil dishes. Voting this Up and Useful.
I love this soup recipe, too. Thanks, alocsin. If you make it, let me know what you think. :)
This is another option for our family as we are trying to go meatless a couple of times a week. Lentils are a good source of protein and tasty. We use our crockpot regularly and yes, the home smells incredible. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
teaches12345, this is one of my favorite all-time recipes. I love lentils. Uh-oh. Now you're making me have a craving for it. Haha. Thanks for stopping by!
Sunshine625 4 months ago
Love me some Lentil Soup! I cooked up a pot last week and still have leftovers! I use ham and always add a splash of lemon juice for added flavor (a trick of the trade I learned from my mom). Yummy hub!