Description
A hearty and nutritious Vegetable Lentil Soup featuring butternut squash, carrots, lentils, and flavorful herbs, slow-cooked to perfection for tender lentils and rich flavors. Ideal for a comforting, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Beans
- 3 cups cubed peeled butternut squash
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups frozen cut green beans (about 8 ounces)
Legumes
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
Flavorings & Herbs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Rinse the dried lentils thoroughly under cold water and chop all fresh vegetables as indicated to ensure even cooking.
- Combine base ingredients: Place the cubed butternut squash, chopped carrots, chopped onion, rinsed lentils, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and vegetable broth into a 5-quart slow cooker. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook until tender: Cover and cook on the low setting for about 4 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the vegetables have softened, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add tomatoes and green beans: Stir in the undrained Italian diced tomatoes and frozen cut green beans, mixing well to combine.
- Cook until heated through: Return the cooker to high heat, cover, and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, ensuring the green beans are warmed and the soup is piping hot throughout.
- Serve: Check seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if desired, then ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For softer green beans, add them at the start with other vegetables.
- This soup freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for extra brightness or spice.
- Using low-sodium vegetable broth allows better control over salt content.
- Rinsing lentils before cooking helps remove any dust or debris and reduces foaming in the slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
