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:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup later.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 & 1/2 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- 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.
- 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!
Hearty Lentil Soup
Course: SOUP6
servings15
minutes5
minutesIngredients
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
Directions
- 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.
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