Heartwarming Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup: An Easy, Flavorful & Wholesome Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to chase away the chill, especially when it’s effortlessly made in your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup is not just any recipe; it’s an incredibly flavorful and nutritious meal designed to bring comfort and convenience to your table. Infused with a harmonious blend of aromatic spices like turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, and enriched with creamy coconut milk, this lentil soup promises a taste experience that’s both exotic and deeply satisfying.
This recipe post is proudly sponsored by Imagine®.
As the colder months stretch on, marked by days where the mercury dips into chilly negative digits, the craving for warm, nourishing food becomes undeniable. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this exceptional slow cooker curried lentil soup with you. It’s the kind of comforting meal that encourages you to slow down, curl up on the sofa with a good book, and savor every spoonful. Its rich, aromatic profile and robust texture make it an ideal choice for a cozy night in.
I’ve become so fond of this curried lentil soup that it’s now a staple in my weekly meal prep. Preparing a large batch at the start of the week means delicious, healthy lunches and dinners are always on hand. Not only does it reheat beautifully, maintaining its delightful flavors and consistency, but it also keeps me feeling full and satisfied for hours. This effectively prevents those dreaded “hangry” moments and keeps me from mindlessly snacking on everything in sight!
Year after year, you, my wonderful readers, have consistently requested more slow cooker recipes, and your overwhelmingly positive feedback whenever I share one truly motivates me. Thank you for your enthusiasm! I genuinely hope this easy and flavorful curried lentil soup will not only satisfy all your winter soup cravings but also simplify your life, allowing you to put a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table with remarkable ease, even on the busiest of days.
Essential Tips for Crafting the Best Curried Lentil Soup
The secret to any truly outstanding soup lies in its foundation, and for this curried lentil soup recipe, that means a high-quality broth. While many soups can benefit from a variety of broths, I find that chicken broth offers a particularly rich and robust canvas, allowing the complex curry flavors to truly shine. Its inherent depth enhances the overall savoriness of the dish, creating a more profoundly satisfying experience.
For this specific recipe, we’ll be using a full quart (which is equivalent to 4 cups) of Imagine® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth. My commitment to sourcing responsibly raised and organic meat-based products has always been a top priority, and Imagine® broths consistently meet my high standards for quality and ethical production. They are genuinely top-of-the-line, and what makes them even more commendable is that Imagine® chicken broths have earned a Global Animal Partnership Step 3 animal welfare rating, ensuring their chickens are raised with care and respect. This dedication to quality ingredients is palpable in the final taste of your slow cooker curried lentil soup.
I’ve been familiar with the Imagine® product line for a while, but I became a truly regular convert after completing the Whole30 program last year. During that experience, I was genuinely shocked to discover just how many seemingly good-quality store-bought broths contain an excess of unnecessary ingredients, ranging from added cane sugar to undisclosed “natural flavorings.” Imagine® stands out because their chicken broth is made exclusively with real, wholesome, non-GMO ingredients. This includes organic, free-range chicken, organic farm-grown vegetables, and a carefully balanced selection of savory herbs and seasonings. Their commitment to pure, simple ingredients means I can feel confident and proud using their products in my kitchen, knowing they contribute positively to the health and flavor of my meals, like this delicious curried lentil soup.
Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup Recipe:
This slow cooker curried lentil soup delivers incredible heartiness and substance, stemming from a foundation of classic soup aromatics. Diced yellow onion, sweet carrots, pungent garlic, and zesty fresh ginger lay the groundwork for a truly comforting experience. Central to its robust texture are my favorite French green lentils, often referred to as Puy lentils. These particular lentils are prized for their ability to maintain their shape and firm texture even after prolonged cooking, making them absolutely ideal for slow cooker or crockpot preparations, preventing the soup from becoming mushy.
The soup’s extraordinary flavor profile is born from a thoughtful combination of warming, aromatic spices. Beyond the well-known savory notes of curry powder, we introduce the earthy warmth of turmeric, the subtly sweet and exotic touch of cardamom, the intense depth of cloves, and the comforting sweetness of cinnamon. Yes, these aren’t just for baking! This rich medley of spices not only imbues the soup with its signature taste but also fills your entire kitchen with an utterly fantastic aroma as it slowly simmers.
It’s important to note that when you first combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, the mixture will appear quite loose and watery. However, as it gently cooks over low heat throughout the day, a magical transformation occurs. The lentils absorb the flavorful broth, and the starches release, gradually thickening the soup into a rich, luscious, and deeply satisfying stew. Patience truly is a virtue with this recipe!
The grand finale, just before serving, involves two crucial additions that elevate this easy curried lentil soup to perfection. A generous pour of creamy, full-fat coconut milk is stirred in, adding a luxurious richness and a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the spices. Following this, a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice, though seemingly insignificant, provides a bright, acidic counterpoint that rounds out all the complex flavors, brightening the entire dish and tying everything together harmoniously. These final touches are what make this healthy lentil soup truly unforgettable.
Without exaggeration, this might just be my all-time favorite slow cooker soup creation to date! Its incredible depth of flavor, ease of preparation, and comforting nature make it a true standout. I sincerely hope you love it as much as I do and that it becomes a cherished recipe in your own kitchen.
If you’re looking for more simple and delicious slow cooker soup inspiration to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend trying this equally comforting slow cooker cannellini bean soup with fresh rosemary, which offers a different but equally delightful flavor profile. Alternatively, for another crowd-pleasing option packed with wholesome vegetables, you might enjoy this hearty slow cooker winter vegetable soup with split red lentils. Both are fantastic choices for easy, nourishing meals.
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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Important Note: If your slow cooker does not have a stove-top safe insert, you can easily adapt this recipe by beginning in a large non-stick skillet. Once you’ve completed step two, simply transfer all the ingredients into your slow cooker. To start, using a 4-quart capacity (or larger) slow cooker with a stove-safe insert, heat the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Allow it to melt completely and just begin to sizzle. Add the diced yellow onions along with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the onions for approximately 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become tender and translucent. Be careful not to let them brown or gain any significant color. Next, add the diced carrots and continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the carrots also begin to soften slightly.
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Now, introduce the finely chopped garlic, minced ginger root, and all the ground spices (turmeric, curry powder, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon) into the slow cooker. Sauté these aromatics and spices for about an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they become incredibly fragrant and infuse the entire kitchen with their wonderful aroma.
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Add the French (Puy) green lentils and the Imagine® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth to the slow cooker insert, stirring gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook over low heat for 7 to 8 hours, following your slow cooker manufacturer’s directions. If possible, give the soup an occasional stir throughout the cooking process. The soup is ready when it has thickened considerably and the lentils are thoroughly cooked through, yet still retain their distinctive shape. Just before serving, stir in the full-fat coconut milk and the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for optimal warmth and flavor. For an extra touch, garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk or a spoonful of whole-fat yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
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Storage and Reheating: Any leftover slow cooker curried lentil soup can be stored in a covered, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Please note that the soup will become very thick once completely chilled. To reheat, transfer the desired portion of soup to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash or two of additional chicken broth or water to achieve your preferred consistency, stirring well to combine. Heat over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly hot, or microwave in intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Additional Tips for Success:
- The robust texture and satisfying heartiness of this curried lentil soup are primarily due to the harmonious blend of classic soup aromatics – including onion, carrot, garlic, and ginger – combined with my preferred French green lentils. These particular lentils, also known as Puy lentils, are celebrated for their ability to maintain their distinct shape and a pleasant al dente bite even after extended cooking. This characteristic makes them an ideal choice for slow cooker or crockpot preparations, ensuring your soup has a wonderful texture without turning mushy. Feel free to explore other lentil varieties if French green lentils aren’t available, but be aware that cooking times and final texture may vary.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version of this delicious curried lentil soup, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and swap the Imagine® Organic Free Range Chicken Broth for a high-quality vegetable broth. Imagine® also offers a fantastic line of organic vegetable broths that would work perfectly here.
- Don’t hesitate to customize this soup to your liking. Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced sweet potato, spinach (stirred in at the very end), or bell peppers along with the carrots. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also be added for an extra kick of heat if you enjoy a spicier curry flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This flavorful slow cooker curried lentil soup is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of warm crusty bread, fluffy basmati rice, or even some fresh naan bread for dipping. The optional garnishes of a drizzle of coconut milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt, along with fresh cilantro, truly enhance the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
This post is sponsored by Imagine®. For more information on their high-quality products and to find a retailer near you, please visit their comprehensive website or utilize their convenient store locator tool. Your support for the brands I genuinely love and incorporate into my own home cooking is greatly appreciated!