Tasty and Healthy Lentil Soup Recipe for a Slow Cooker

A nutritious and delicious meal

As the weather gets cooler, what better way to warm up than with a hearty lentil soup? Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein and fiber, and they provide a great source of fuel for the body. This slow cooker lentil soup is easy to make and can easily be frozen for future meals. It’s a great meal-prep option that’s healthy and delicious.

What you will need

For this lentil soup recipe you will need:

-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-2 carrots, diced
-2 celery stalks, diced
-1 teaspoon cumin
-1 teaspoon paprika
-1 teaspoon oregano
-1 teaspoon thyme
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-4 cups vegetable broth
-2 cups lentils, rinsed
-2 cups diced tomatoes
-1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.

2. Add the diced carrots and celery and cook for 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the cumin, paprika, oregano, thyme and black pepper and cook for another minute.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth and lentils and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Add the diced tomatoes and simmer for another 10 minutes.

6. Place the soup in a slow cooker and cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

7. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Health Benefits of Lentils

Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One cup of cooked lentils provides 18 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber. Lentils are also a good source of iron and folate, which are essential for red blood cell production and energy.

Lentils can help to regulate blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol levels, and are great for heart health. Lentils are also a great source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.

Making it your own

This lentil soup recipe can easily be customized to your taste. If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno pepper. If you like a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. You can also add other vegetables such as diced zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes. For a creamier soup, add a can of coconut milk.

This lentil soup is a great way to get your daily dose of nutrition and it’s an easy meal-prep option that can easily be frozen for future meals. Enjoy!