Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lentil Stew

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of lentil stew, especially when it’s been slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe takes convenience and flavor to a new level, allowing you to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal effort. Lentils are nutritional powerhouses, packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making this stew a fantastic choice for a balanced diet. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this one-pot wonder is designed to be fuss-free and utterly satisfying.

Our slow cooker lentil stew is not only easy on your schedule but also on your wallet. Lentils are an incredibly affordable source of protein, making this a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or health. The combination of tender lentils, sweet carrots, aromatic onions, and savory garlic creates a rich, complex flavor profile that will warm you from the inside out. It’s an ideal meal for meal prepping, as it tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully for future enjoyment. Get ready to add this versatile and delicious lentil stew to your regular rotation!

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful stew. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of readily available, wholesome components. Remember to opt for fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor.

• 1 ½ cups uncooked dry lentils: We recommend brown or green lentils for their ability to hold shape and add a hearty texture. Red lentils will break down more, creating a creamier stew. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly before cooking.
• ¼ yellow onion, diced: Adds a foundational aromatic flavor. You can use half an onion if you prefer a stronger onion taste.
• 6 large carrots, diced: Provides natural sweetness and a vibrant color. Feel free to add more or less depending on your preference.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for depth of flavor. If you’re a garlic lover, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two!
• 3 bouillon cubes: These will dissolve into the water to create a rich, savory broth. Vegetable bouillon is recommended for a vegetarian/vegan stew. You can also use liquid vegetable broth (see water notes below).
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness, along with a robust tomato flavor. Don’t drain them!
• 4 ½ cups water: This, combined with the bouillon, forms the liquid base of your stew. If using liquid vegetable broth, use 4.5 cups of broth instead of water and bouillon cubes.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (Crock-Pot) – 6-quart capacity or larger recommended
• Mesh strainer (for rinsing lentils)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large spoon or ladle for stirring and serving

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your nourishing slow cooker lentil stew. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe incredibly hands-off.

1. Prepare the Lentils

   Begin by thoroughly rinsing the uncooked dry lentils in a mesh strainer under cold running water. This helps to remove any dust or small debris and ensures your stew is clean and fresh. Agitate the lentils gently while rinsing until the water runs clear. Let them drain well.

2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

   Once the lentils are rinsed, transfer them to your slow cooker. Add the diced yellow onion, diced large carrots, and minced garlic. Next, crumble in the bouillon cubes, or pour in your liquid vegetable broth if you’re using that instead. Add the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and finally, pour in the 4 ½ cups of water. Give all the ingredients a good stir to ensure everything is well combined and the bouillon cubes start to dissolve.

3. Slow Cook to Perfection

   Cover your slow cooker and set it to the ‘low’ setting. Allow the stew to cook for 6-7 hours. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the type of lentils used. The stew is ready when the lentils are tender and have absorbed much of the liquid, creating a thick, rich consistency. The vegetables should also be tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally if you’re home, but it’s not strictly necessary.

Tips for the Best Lentil Stew

• Lentil Type Matters: Brown or green lentils are best for a stew where you want the lentils to retain some bite. Red lentils will break down and create a creamier, thicker consistency, which is also delicious but different.
• Don’t Forget to Rinse: Rinsing lentils is crucial to remove any debris and can help with digestibility.
• Season to Taste: Taste the stew before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Add Herbs at the End: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme can elevate the flavor significantly. Stir them in just before serving to maintain their vibrant taste and color.
• Don’t Overfill: Ensure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled. Generally, you shouldn’t fill it more than two-thirds full to prevent boil-overs and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty lentil stew is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: For an even more substantial meal.
• Alongside a Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad can complement the richness of the stew.
• With a Dollop of Yogurt: A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative can add a creamy, tangy contrast.
• Garnished: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, cilantro, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can brighten the flavors.

Creative Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize this lentil stew to your taste and what you have on hand:

• Add More Vegetables: Spinach, kale (stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking), potatoes (diced), bell peppers, celery, or zucchini are all excellent additions.
• Spice It Up: Introduce smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, or a pinch of curry powder for a different flavor profile. A bay leaf added during cooking can also add subtle depth.
• Make it Creamier: For a richer, creamier stew, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative during the last 30 minutes.
• Heartier Options: If you’re not strictly vegetarian, you can add diced sausage, ham, or even shredded chicken during the last hour of cooking.
• Vinegar Finish: A tablespoon of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar stirred in just before serving can brighten the flavors considerably.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This lentil stew is fantastic for meal prepping and storing for later:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Freezing: Lentil stew freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it out if it has thickened too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave.

Health Benefits of Lentils

Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, making this stew not just delicious but incredibly good for you:

• High in Protein: An excellent source of plant-based protein, crucial for muscle repair and growth, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
• Rich in Fiber: Both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to feelings of fullness.
• Packed with Micronutrients: Lentils are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron (important for energy and blood health), folate (vital for cell growth), potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
• Heart Healthy: The fiber, folate, and potassium in lentils contribute to cardiovascular health by helping to manage cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
• Low Glycemic Index: Lentils release glucose slowly, preventing blood sugar spikes, which is beneficial for managing diabetes and sustained energy.

Video Guide

Watch Julia Pacheco demonstrate how to make this easy and delicious slow cooker lentil stew, along with other budget-friendly crockpot dinners.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutritional values per serving:

Calories:

217 kcal

Carbohydrates:

40 g

Protein:

14 g

Fat:

1 g

Saturated Fat:

0.1 g

Polyunsaturated Fat:

0.4 g

Monounsaturated Fat:

0.1 g

Sodium:

159 mg

Potassium:

832 mg

Fiber:

17 g

Sugar:

6 g

Vitamin A:

12125 IU

Vitamin C:

14 mg

Calcium:

83 mg

Iron:

5 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was! Your feedback helps us and other home cooks.

Leave a Comment

We’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or any variations you tried with this recipe!