This recipe post is sponsored by Imagine®.
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup: A Hearty & Flavorful Recipe
Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup. An EASY flavorful lentil soup recipe seasoned with turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and coconut milk.
As the colder months roll in and the desire for deeply comforting meals grows stronger, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to chase away the chill. This Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, designed to be both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully easy to prepare. Whether you’re battling negative temperatures or simply craving something wholesome and satisfying, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
I’ve found myself reaching for this recipe repeatedly, making a fresh batch almost every week. It’s perfect for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully and keeps me feeling full and content for hours. Say goodbye to mid-afternoon hunger pangs and impulsive snacking – this hearty lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious solution for busy lifestyles.
You, our wonderful readers, have consistently asked for more slow cooker recipes, and your positive feedback each time I share one is truly appreciated. Thank you for your enthusiasm! I sincerely hope this Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup will become a new favorite, satisfying all your winter soup cravings and making it simpler than ever to put a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table, even on your busiest days.
Crafting the Perfect Curried Lentil Soup: Tips for Success
The secret to an exceptional soup always begins with its base, and for this curried lentil soup, a high-quality broth is paramount. While many soups benefit from a rich chicken broth as a foundation, creating a wonderful canvas for layering flavors, the choice of broth here is especially important.
For this particular recipe, we will be using a full quart (4 cups) of Imagine® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth. My commitment to sourcing responsibly raised and organic meat-based products is unwavering, and Imagine® broths consistently meet my high standards. Their chicken broths are not only organic and free-range but have also achieved a Global Animal Partnership Step 3 animal welfare rating, which truly sets them apart in the market. This ensures you’re using a product that’s both ethical and superior in taste.
I’ve been a long-time admirer of Imagine® products, but truly became a devoted fan after completing Whole30 last year. It’s genuinely surprising to discover how many seemingly good-quality store-bought broths contain unnecessary additives, such as cane sugar or artificial ‘flavorings.’ Imagine® stands out by crafting their chicken broth with genuine, wholesome, and non-GMO ingredients. This includes organic, free-range chicken, organic farm-grown vegetables, and a carefully balanced blend of savory herbs and seasonings. Choosing Imagine® means you’re using ingredients you can feel good about, creating a base that elevates your soup to the next level of flavor and nutrition.
Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Success:
- Sautéing Aromatics: Don’t skip the initial sautéing of onions, carrots, garlic, and ginger. This crucial step caramelizes the vegetables slightly and ‘blooms’ the spices, releasing their full aromatic potential and building a deep flavor foundation for your soup. Even if your slow cooker insert isn’t stove-top safe, take the extra five minutes to do this in a separate skillet before transferring.
- Lentil Choice: French green lentils (often called Puy lentils) are ideal for this slow cooker recipe because they hold their shape beautifully during the long cooking process, unlike red lentils which tend to break down and become mushy. This ensures a delightful texture in your finished soup.
- Seasoning in Layers: Season with salt and pepper at different stages. A little at the beginning with the aromatics, and then adjust again just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents over-salting as the soup reduces.
- Stir Occasionally (If Possible): While slow cookers are designed to be hands-off, a quick stir or two during the cooking cycle can help distribute flavors and ensure even cooking, especially as the soup begins to thicken.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup Recipe:
This Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience. Its profound heartiness and satisfying texture come from a classic combination of soup aromatics – including onion, carrot, fresh garlic, and invigorating ginger – alongside my beloved French green lentils. These particular lentils, often referred to as Puy lentils, are a culinary marvel because they maintain their distinct shape and a pleasant bite even after extended cooking, making them absolutely perfect for slow cooker or crockpot preparations. Unlike their softer counterparts, they won’t turn to mush, ensuring a delightful consistency in every spoonful.
The truly extraordinary flavor of this soup is born from a harmonious blend of warming spices that will utterly transform your kitchen into an aromatic haven. We’re talking about a vibrant mix of curry powder, the golden hue and earthy notes of turmeric, the exotic floral undertones of cardamom, the pungent warmth of cloves, and the sweet comforting whisper of cinnamon. Yes, these are not just for baking! When thoughtfully combined, these spices create a complex, deeply satisfying profile that is both invigorating and soothing.
It’s worth noting the magic that happens in the slow cooker. When you first combine all the ingredients, the soup will appear quite liquidy. However, as it gently simmers over low heat for several hours, a remarkable transformation occurs. The lentils absorb the rich broth and spices, thickening considerably into a luxurious, hearty stew that promises a truly substantial meal.
Just before serving, two final touches elevate this soup to perfection: a generous pour of creamy full-fat coconut milk and a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The coconut milk introduces a luscious creaminess and a subtle sweetness that beautifully mellows the spices. The lemon juice, though seemingly a minor addition, is a flavor powerhouse. It brightens every element, adding a zesty finish that rounds out all the complex flavors, preventing the soup from tasting heavy and leaving a wonderfully clean, fresh aftertaste.
The Many Benefits of Slow Cooking This Soup:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply chop your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let it do all the work. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, ideal for busy weekdays.
- Enhanced Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld together over a longer period, resulting in a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. The spices bloom and infuse the lentils and broth perfectly.
- Nutrient Retention: The gentle heat of a slow cooker helps retain more nutrients in the vegetables and lentils, making this a truly wholesome meal.
- Hands-Off Time: Enjoy your evening without constantly monitoring a pot on the stove. Your slow cooker will handle dinner while you tackle other tasks or simply relax.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup is a dream for batch cooking. Make a large quantity at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, healthy lunches or dinners ready to go for days.
This Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup has truly become one of my favorite slow cooker creations to date! It consistently brings warmth and comfort to our table, and I sincerely hope you cherish it as much as I do. The blend of fragrant spices, hearty lentils, and creamy coconut milk creates an unforgettable flavor profile that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying.
If you’re looking for more easy and comforting soup inspiration to add to your repertoire, don’t hesitate to try this amazing slow cooker cannellini bean soup with fresh rosemary, or this crowd-pleasing and incredibly wholesome slow cooker winter vegetable soup with split red lentils. Each recipe offers its unique charm and is designed to bring ease and deliciousness to your kitchen.
Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup
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Equipment
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All-Clad 4 Quart Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (45 g) unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
- 1 large carrot diced
- 3 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger root
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon curry powder medium-spice level
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1¼ cups French (Puy) green lentils
- 1 quart (32 oz) Imagine® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth
- ½ cup (120 mL) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Optional Garnishes:
- coconut milk or whole fat yogurt for drizzling
- fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
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If you do not have a stove-top safe slow cooker insert, simply start this recipe using a large non-stick skillet and transfer the ingredients to the slow cooker once you have completed step two. Using a 4-quart capacity (or larger) slow cooker, heat the butter in a stove-safe slow cooker insert over medium-low heat until melted and just beginning to sizzle. Add the onions along with the salt and pepper. Sauté for 4 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the onions begin to soften. Do not allow them to gain color. Add the carrots and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes more or until just beginning to soften.
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Add the garlic, ginger, and ground spices and sauté, stirring constantly, for an additional minute or until very fragrant.
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Add the lentils and chicken broth and stir to combine. Cook over low heat, according to your slow cooker manufacturer’s directions, for 7 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally if possible, or until the soup has thickened considerably and the lentils are cooked through but still retain their shape. Just before serving, stir in the coconut milk and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately. Garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk or spoonful of yogurt and cilantro leaves as desired.
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Leftover soup can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The soup is very thick once chilled completely. To reheat, add a splash or two of chicken broth or water to the soup, stir to combine, and place over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Tips for Success:
- The heartiness and heft of this curried lentil soup comes from typical soup aromatics, including onion, carrot, garlic, and ginger, and my favorite French green lentils. Sometimes called puy lentils, these lentils hold their shape once cooked, making them an ideal lentil for slow cooker or crockpot preparations.
- Make it Vegan: To make this soup entirely vegan, simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil. Ensure your broth is also vegetable-based (Imagine® offers great organic vegetable broths too!).
- Customize Your Spice Level: The curry powder specified is medium-spice level. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount to ¼ teaspoon. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
- Don’t Forget the Garnish: While optional, a drizzle of extra coconut milk or a dollop of plain whole-fat yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) and fresh cilantro leaves truly elevate the presentation and add another layer of flavor and freshness.
This post is sponsored by Imagine®. For more information on their products and where to find them, please visit their website or use their store locator. Thanks for supporting the brands I love and use in my own kitchen!