Hey y'all! Looking for a cozy, feel-good meal that’s both easy to make and loaded with wholesome goodness? This Crockpot "Detox" Lentil & Vegetable Soup is the perfect comfort food, filled with hearty lentils, vibrant veggies, and delicious seasoning. Whether you’re craving a nourishing lunch, need a light dinner, or want a meal-prep winner for busy weeks, this Soup has your back. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

It’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied for hours.
Super easy to prep—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it simmer!
Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
Perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later.
Full of cleansing, nourishing ingredients for a gentle reset.

Ingredients

1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chopped carrots
2 cups diced celery
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
2 cups chopped kale or spinach
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Chop all your vegetables—onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini—and mince your garlic.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

Add the rinsed lentils, all prepped veggies except kale/spinach, vegetable broth, canned tomatoes (with juice), cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to your crockpot.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until lentils and veggies are tender.

Step 4: Add Greens & Lemon

Stir in chopped kale or spinach and lemon juice during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Cook just until the greens wilt.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

If your soup seems too thick, add extra broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
For added richness, stir in a splash of olive oil before serving.
You can prep veggies in advance to make morning assembly a breeze.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Hearty Version: Stir in a peeled diced potato or cubed butternut squash with the initial ingredients.
Protein Boost: Add 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken or tofu in the last hour of cooking.

Required Equipment

Large slow cooker (at least 6 quart capacity)
Chef's knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving

Storage Instructions

Allow soup to cool completely. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding extra broth as needed.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with crusty whole-grain bread for dipping.
Add a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal.
Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or vegan sour cream for creaminess.

Pro Tips

Rinse lentils well before cooking to remove any debris and ensure a clean flavor.
Let the soup sit 10-15 minutes before serving for flavors to meld and thicken.
Add lemon juice after slow cooking—never before—to keep the greens vibrant and fresh-tasting.

FAQ

1. Can I use brown or red lentils instead of green?

Yes! Brown lentils work well (same cook time); red lentils will make the soup softer and cook faster (reduce cook time by 1 hour).

2. Is this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just make sure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free if needed.

3. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Yes! Simmer on the stovetop in a big soup pot for 35-40 minutes, covered and stirring occasionally, until lentils and veggies are tender.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

7-8 hours (LOW) or 4-5 hours (HIGH)

Total Time:

7-8 hours 15 minutes (on LOW)