Enjoy this crockpot lentil soup recipe but don't tell your family that it's chock full of nutrients! Budget friendly and vegan, lentil soup is yummy comfort food with a kick from chipotle. Lime adds a zap of bright flavor. Easy to make and easy on the budget! It would be great with this easy, no knead beer bread on the side.
Lentil Soup Ingredients
It always amazes me how a few simple ingredients can result in so much flavor. This is definitely on my favorites list - and I think you'll agree.
- Dried Lentils make up the majority of the soup. Lentils pack plenty of protein and fiber but don't generally cause the gassiness that beans do. They don't need to be soaked and cook really quickly.
- Chipotle pepper brings heat and smokiness to this recipe. A chipotle is a smoked and dried jalapeno, by the way.
- Celery adds texture and flavor - it's part of the Big Three (mirepoix) for seasoning.
- Carrots are used to bring sweetness and texture - also one of the three ingredients in mirepoix.
- Onions are essential in most of my savory dishes and this is no different. Use a mellow yellow onion like a Vidalia or 1015s.
- Garlic adds pungency that balances out the earthiness of the lentils.
- Tomato puree adds sweetness and acidity.
- Adobo sauce contains paprika and chipotles. You can get chipotles canned in adobo and make a paste with them instead of using the chipotle above.
- Olive oil helps to intensify the flavor since lentils have little or no fat.
- Fresh parsley is a great garnish and adds a fresh flavor. I prefer cilantro, though.
- Lime juice adds brightness to the dish that really makes the flavor pop.
Introducing Pepper Bowl
Variety is the spice of life so once in awhile I'll invite a blogger whose work I particularly like to guest post here on Restless Chipotle. I think y'all are going to love the warm flavors of this spicy lentil soup recipe that Sujatha Muralidhar brings to us today!
Hi everybody, I'm Sujatha Muralidhar, did masters in commerce and have a food blog at pepperbowl.com. I'm a full-time food blogger sharing healthy and spicy recipes around the world - you can take a look at the Pepperbowl recipe index. I love to cook various cuisine's best yet simple recipes in my kitchen in Pennsylvania. Here I should mention that I have a strong quality control team(my husband and my son) and recipes in my blog get published only after passing through their critical tests.
Today I want to share with you all, a simple, easier to make, fulfilling food that is great for chilly weather. Though it is officially spring, it is still cold in here. And I thought it would be perfect to share the how to make lentil soup, a protein rich wholesome food. Can be served with baked tortilla chips.
Tips for Making the BEST Lentil Soup
This is an easy vegan recipe but these great cooking tips will make it even easier!
- You may also use the hand blender to make the spicy lentil soup silky in texture.
- To get the soup in coarse texture, use the wooden ladle to mash the lentils.
- For garnishing, reserve ¼ cup of cooked lentils.
- Garnishing can also be done with chopped fresh cilantro leaves or a blob of sour cream or some tortilla strips.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted for water in this crockpot lentil soup recipe.
- Using the pressure cooker or Instant pot cuts the cooking time down to 20 minutes.
- You may also add other vegetables while cooking the lentils to make it more nutritious.
- The leftover can be refrigerated and can be used later.
- No need to soak the lentils ahead of time.
Recipe Faqs
Here are the most commonly asked questions about this recipe. If you don't find the answer to yours here leave a comment below or email me - I'll get back to you as soon as I can!
Do you have to soak the lentils before cooking?
Nope! One of the things I love about lentils is that they are SO dang quick and easy! Just sort them to make sure there are no pebbles, rinse and drain them, and they are ready to go.
Do you have to stir the lentils while cooking?
Not when you make them in the slow cooker. If you make them on top of the stove it's good to stir once in awhile.
Can you freeze lentil soup?
You sure can! This recipe freezes like a dream! When you thaw it out you'll likely need to add a little water to thin it down some. Store in the freezer up to 3 months.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It's even better the next day! You'll just need to add a little water to thin it to your liking.
Are lentils healthy?
According the University of Florida lentils have many health benefits and may help prevent several diseases.
More Great Soup Recipes
There are plenty of other soups you'll love here on Restless Chipotle! Here are some of my favorites.
Crockpot Lentil Soup Recipe
We're in for plenty of chilly, rainy weather! Give this lentil soup recipe a try and see if it isn't a bite of sunshine! Rather have something creamy? Try this amazing beer cheese soup!
Chipotle lentil soup
Print Add to CollectionEquipment Needed
Ingredients
- 2 cups Lentils
- 4 Celery stalks
- 2 cups Carrots, diced
- ½ cup Onion, chopped
- ¼ cup Garlic, chopped
- ¼ cup tomato puree
- 2 teaspoons Adobo Sauce, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 chipotle chiles, seeded minced
- ½ Cup Parsley, chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoons Lime juice
- 8 cups Water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Crock Pot
- Add all ingredients except the parsley and lime to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Add the lime and parsley.
- Serve.
Stove Top
- In a heavy bottomed pot, add oil followed by chopped onion.
- In medium flame, cook it until it becomes tender by stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic, cook it until garlic slightly discolors.
- Add finely chopped chipotle and adobo sauce.
- Add tomato puree and continue to stir for another minute.
- Now add lentil, cubed celery stalks, cubed carrots, salt, and water.
- Bring the soup to boil, and simmer.
- Cover and cook it for about 40 mins. Do check and stir in between.
- Use a wooden ladle to mash the lentils to coarse texture or blend in the blender for a smooth texture.
- Add lime juice, chopped fresh parsley.
- Transfer it to a serving bowl. Top it with a blob of sour cream(optional) and serve.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature along with tortilla chips or strips.
Notes
- You may also use the hand blender to make the spicy lentil soup silky in texture.
- To get the soup in coarse texture, use the wooden ladle to mash the lentils.
- For garnishing, reserve ¼ cup of cooked lentils.
- Garnishing can also be done with chopped fresh cilantro leaves or a blob of sour cream or some tortilla strips.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted for water in this recipe.
- Using the pressure cooker or Instant pot cuts the cooking time down to 20 minutes.
- You may also add other vegetables while cooking the lentils to make it more nutritious.
- The leftover can be refrigerated and can be used later.
- No need to soak the lentils ahead of time.
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