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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup - recipe card

This slow cooker creamy tomato lentil soup is a comforting, protein-packed meal with rich tomato flavor and tender lentils. A touch of coconut milk adds creaminess without dairy, making it vegan and dairy-free. Perfect for a cozy dinner with crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. This step builds flavor and ensures the vegetables are tender in the final soup.
  2. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until lentils are tender. Stir in tomato paste and coconut milk until fully incorporated. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low to heat through and meld flavors.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Storage: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat or in microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust consistency. For a smoother soup, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender before adding coconut milk.

Nutrition

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