Hearty Lentil Soup

This comforting Lentil Soup is the perfect blend of hearty, healthy, and flavorful, with tender lentils, savory kielbasa, and bright notes of lemon. It’s a satisfying meal for any day of the week, made easy with a slow cooker. The rich broth, infused with Italian herbs and a hint of spice, pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups dried red lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 6 ounces kielbasa, cut into small bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
• 2 & 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced carrots and onion, and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 20 seconds, just until fragrant. Season with crushed red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Transfer to Crockpot: Move the sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add the rinsed red lentils, chicken broth, kielbasa, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 & 1/2 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Add Seasonings: Once the lentils are tender, stir in the dried Italian herbs and fresh lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, either on its own or with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations:

• Add Greens: For extra nutrition, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the kielbasa and use vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
• Spice it Up: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Texture Preference: For a thicker texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for a hearty bite.

This lentil soup is incredibly versatile and can be customized with different herbs, vegetables, or proteins to suit your taste!