Healthy Crockpot Tomato Lentil Soup

Name: Healthy Crockpot Tomato Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 carrots, diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Balanced Inspiration

I love making Healthy Crockpot Tomato Lentil Soup because it’s the perfect dish for busy days. The beauty of this recipe is that you can toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer to perfection. I enjoy the comforting aroma that fills my kitchen while it cooks, and the vibrant blend of tomatoes and spices creates a hearty meal. It’s not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a staple in my household during fall and winter months.

Created by

Jacqueline Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:17:35.633Z

Making Healthy Crockpot Tomato Lentil Soup is a journey into wholesome ingredients that not only nourish the body but also warm the soul. I appreciate how lentils absorb the flavors of the spices and tomatoes, creating a rich and hearty flavor. The slow cooking method allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, especially when enhanced by a touch of fresh herbs right before serving.

One tip I absolutely love is to incorporate a splash of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens the overall flavor of the soup and elevates the dish, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein and fiber for a satisfying meal
Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices
Delicious leftovers for easy lunches

      

Ingredient Insights

Lentils serve as the powerhouse of this soup, providing both protein and fiber. When using green or brown lentils, they cook to a tender consistency without becoming mushy, making them ideal for stews. If you're short on time, you can use canned lentils; just reduce the cooking time significantly—around 2 to 3 hours on low should suffice.

The combination of carrots and celery not only adds sweetness and texture but also deepens the flavor of the broth. I recommend cutting them into uniform pieces for even cooking. If you're looking for a twist, try adding sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and nutrition, or kale for a hearty green addition.

Cooking Techniques

When preparing your ingredients, ensure that you rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or dust. This small step can enhance the texture and flavor of your final dish. For the vegetables, a quick sauté of the onion and garlic in a pan before adding them to the crockpot can enhance their sweetness and depth; however, it's not necessary if you're looking to save time.

Setting your crockpot to low for 6 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully while making your kitchen smell incredible. If you're in a pinch, you can set it to high and cook for 3 to 4 hours but keep an eye on the lentils to avoid overcooking them.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this comforting soup.

Ingredients

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Once you have these ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your soup.

Prepare Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the lentils, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Mix well to ensure even distribution.

Transfer to Crockpot

Pour the vegetable broth into the crockpot and add the lentil mixture. Stir in the thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking Time

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6 hours, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally if possible.

Serve

Once done, taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a splash of lemon juice if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy soup!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. This soup also freezes well, so save some for later!

Storage and Leftovers

This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

If you plan to freeze the soup, do so after it has cooled down completely. Use airtight containers or freezer bags, and it will keep for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize this soup by adding your favorite spices. A pinch of cumin or coriander could add an interesting twist. For a kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with herbs; fresh basil or oregano added towards the end of the cooking process will brighten the flavors.

Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the overall dish and balances the flavors beautifully. Additionally, you could serve this soup with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for creaminess, or sprinkle some croutons on top for extra texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time since canned lentils are already cooked.

→ How can I make this soup spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

→ Is it possible to cook this soup on high?

Absolutely, cook on high for about 4 hours instead of 6 hours on low.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread or a side salad complements this soup beautifully.