Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup is a hearty, warming dish packed with vibrant spices and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy days, it combines nutritious lentils and vegetables with a fragrant curry blend for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups lentils
• 1.5 cups diced carrots (approx. 3 carrots)
• 1.5 cups diced celery (approx. 3 stalks)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/8 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 to 1.5 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 7 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp white vinegar or lime juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add all ingredients except the vinegar or lime juice to your slow cooker and stir well to combine everything evenly.
2. Step 2: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
3. Step 3: Taste the soup and adjust salt if needed. If desired, stir in the vinegar or lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
4. Step 4: Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread. Garnish with chopped cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red chili flakes.
• Use spinach instead of kale if you prefer a milder green.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon instead of vinegar can also add a bright finish.
• For a richer texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of lentils for this soup?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Brown or green lentils work best for slow cooking as they hold their shape well without becoming mushy.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Freeze cooled soup in portions using freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 76 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup featuring a blend of aromatic spices, tender lentils, and fresh vegetables. This comforting and nutritious vegan soup is perfect for a warming meal and easy to prepare with minimal effort using a slow cooker.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Ingredients

• 2 cups lentils
• 1.5 cups diced carrots (approx. 3 carrots)
• 1.5 cups diced celery (approx. 3 stalks)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/8 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1–1.5 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 7 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp white vinegar or lime juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the carrots, celery, and yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Chop the kale and gather all the dried spices including curry powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, white pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the lentils, diced vegetables, garlic, spices, bay leaf, chopped kale, and vegetable broth into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Cook the Soup: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the lentils and vegetables to become tender and fully absorb the flavors of the spices.
4. Season and Finish: Once cooked, taste the soup and adjust salt levels as needed. If desired, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar or lime juice to brighten the flavors.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. For additional garnish and flavor, top with chopped cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, if desired. Serve warm alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

• If you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
• Vinegar or lime juice is optional but enhances the soup’s brightness.
• This soup is vegan; use plant-based yogurt for garnish if desired.
• Leftovers store well and reheat easily for quick meals.
• Adjust vegetable broth amount for desired soup thickness.

Keywords: slow cooker lentil soup, curried lentil soup, vegan soup, healthy lentil recipe, easy slow cooker soup, Indian spiced soup