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Crockpot Lentil Stew

This crockpot lentil stew is a soothing, hearty dish that uses slow-cooking to transform simple ingredients into a velvety, flavorful bowl. Main components include earthy green lentils, aromatic garlic and onions, tender carrots, and smoky tomatoes, resulting in a thick, comforting stew with a rich aroma and vibrant color. The slow simmer creates a dish that is both grounding and deeply satisfying, perfect for mindful comfort eating.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup green lentils rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth low sodium preferred
  • 2 large carrots diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes fire-roasted optional
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your vegetables: dice the onion and carrots into roughly 1-inch pieces, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside for easy assembly later.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it shimmers and begins to gently smoke. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and golden, about 3-4 minutes. This deepens their flavor and fills your kitchen with a warm aroma.
  3. Transfer the sautéed aromatics into your slow cooker. Add the diced carrots, rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the cumin and thyme over the mixture, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat, about 90°C (194°F), for 6 to 8 hours. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the rich, earthy scents of the stew.
  5. Halfway through, give the stew a gentle stir to ensure even cooking. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash more broth. Continue cooking until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened, with a velvety texture and vibrant color.
  6. Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the stew rest uncovered for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly, making it even more comforting.
  7. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon or vinegar for brightness. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if you like, and enjoy the warm, soulful flavors.

Notes

For a richer flavor, toast the cumin in a dry skillet before adding it to the stew. You can also add chopped spinach or kale at the end for extra greens. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove.