Hearty and Healthy Slow Cooker Mediterranean Lentil Soup

This slow cooker lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious dish with Mediterranean flavors. Packed with vegetables, lentils, and aromatic spices, it's a comforting and filling meal that's perfect for chilly days. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, combine the lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, water, oregano, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
5. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree about half of the soup to thicken it.
6. Return the pureed mixture to the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
9. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts