Hearty Crock Pot Lentil & Spinach Soup
Indulge in the warmth of this Hearty Crock Pot Lentil & Spinach Soup, a nourishing blend of protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection. This delightful soup is not only healthy but also satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week. With the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach and a hint of spice, it’s best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of white wine vinegar for extra brightness. Ideal for vegetarians and loved by all, this comforting dish will keep you cozy and fueled together with wholesome goodness.
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
green lentil
1 lb (rinsed and drained)
vegetable broth
1 quart (liquid)
water
4 cups (liquid)
celery ribs
4 (diced)
carrots
4 (peeled and diced)
onion
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
6-8 (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (canned, undrained)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (seasoning)
fresh thyme
3 sprigs (fresh)
bay leaves
2 (dried)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (seasoning)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Baby Spinach
1/2 lb (roughly chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the green lentils under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large crock pot, combine the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, water, diced celery, diced carrots, diced onion, minced garlic, and the can of diced tomatoes.
3
Add the dried oregano, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened, stirring occasionally if possible.
5
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Stir in the roughly chopped spinach and allow it to sit covered for a few minutes until completely wilted.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar if desired.
Nutrition Information
2.25g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Crock Pot Lentil & Spinach Soup?
It is a nourishing, protein-rich soup made with green lentils, fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, and aromatic herbs simmered in a slow cooker.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.
Can I make this soup vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products, meat, or dairy.
How many calories are in a serving of this lentil soup?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this soup?
Each serving provides 10g of protein.
What type of lentils should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of green lentils, which should be rinsed and drained before cooking.
Do I need to soak the lentils before putting them in the crock pot?
No soaking is required; you only need to rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
How long does the soup need to cook in the slow cooker?
The soup should be cooked on low heat for 8 to 10 hours until the lentils are tender.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The soup includes celery ribs, carrots, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach.
When should I add the spinach to the soup?
Add the roughly chopped baby spinach at the very end, after the 8-10 hours of cooking, and let it sit covered for a few minutes until wilted.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, and 2 dried bay leaves.
Is there any spice in this lentil soup?
Yes, a pinch of cayenne pepper is added to provide a hint of spice.
What should I remove from the pot before serving?
Be sure to remove the 2 bay leaves and the fresh thyme sprigs before serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This is a low-fat soup containing only 2.25g of fat per serving.
How much fiber does this soup contain?
This soup is high in fiber, offering 7.5g per serving.
What garnish is recommended for this soup?
It is best enjoyed with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar for added brightness.
How much liquid is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 quart of vegetable broth and 4 cups of water.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for a generous amount of garlic, specifically 6 to 8 minced cloves.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
No, use one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes and keep them undrained for extra flavor.
How much spinach is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of baby spinach, roughly chopped.
What is the carbohydrate count for this soup?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this soup is ideal for meal prep as it is healthy, satisfying, and easy to reheat throughout the week.
How many carrots and celery ribs are needed?
The recipe requires 4 carrots (peeled and diced) and 4 celery ribs (diced).
Is this soup gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but you should always check the label on your vegetable broth to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
No, this recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
Can I cook this on high heat instead of low?
While low heat for 8-10 hours is recommended for the best texture, you can likely cook it on high for 4-5 hours.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients or nutritional data.
What kind of onion is best for this soup?
A standard yellow or white onion, diced, works perfectly for this savory base.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
You should add salt and pepper to taste both at the beginning of cooking and again just before serving after tasting.
What makes this soup 'hearty'?
The combination of 1 lb of lentils and plenty of vegetables creates a thick, fiber-rich texture that is very filling.