Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This slow cooker lentil soup is the perfect combination of comfort, nutrition, and simplicity. Packed with vegetables, warming spices, and protein-rich lentils and chickpeas, it’s a hearty dish that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.

With minimal prep and a slow cooking process that builds deep flavour, this soup is ideal for busy days when you want something wholesome waiting for you.

What Makes This Lentil Soup Special?

This recipe combines classic pantry staples with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to create a rich, layered flavour. The addition of chickpeas, rice, and broad beans makes it more filling, turning it from a simple soup into a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker preparation
• Packed with plant-based protein
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Deep, warming spice flavour
• Perfect for meal prep

Ingredients (Serves 8)

Base & Vegetables

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 large brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

Spices & Flavour

• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp mild paprika
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes

Soup Base

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 litres vegetable stock
• 2/3 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
• 1/2 cup basmati rice

Add-Ins

• 400g chickpeas, drained
• 1 1/2 cups broad beans, thawed
• 1/2 cup fresh coriander

To Serve

• Greek-style yoghurt (optional)
• Lemon wedges

How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Step 1: Cook the Base

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Add spices and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Slow Cook

Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.

Add chopped tomatoes, stock, lentils, and 3 cups of water. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.

Add the rice halfway through cooking.

Step 3: Finish the Soup

Stir in chickpeas and broad beans. Let sit for 5 minutes until heated through.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh coriander and yoghurt. Serve with lemon wedges for added brightness.

Tips for Best Results

• Chop vegetables evenly for consistent texture
• Add rice halfway to avoid overcooking
• Use fresh spices for stronger flavour
• Adjust chilli flakes to control heat
• Add extra stock if soup thickens too much

Health Benefits

This soup is:

• High in protein and fibre
• Low in fat
• Nutrient-dense with vegetables and legumes
• Great for digestion and sustained energy

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker lentil soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something deeply satisfying. It’s nutritious, easy to prepare, and ideal for batch cooking.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight meal or something to warm you up, this recipe delivers comfort in every bowl.