One of the great joys of cooking is finding the perfect dishes that complement each other. If you’re diving into a bowl of detox crockpot lentil soup, you’ll want to pair it with sides that enhance its subtle flavors while contributing to a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
1. Crusty Whole Wheat Bread: Pairing this soup with freshly baked, crusty whole wheat bread makes for a comforting combination. The bread is perfect for dipping and adds a nice texture contrast.
2. Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette can add brightness to your meal. The crunchiness of the greens complements the smoothness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Think zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, perfectly seasoned and roasted. The depth of flavor from the caramelization of the veggies can elevate the entire experience.
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I want to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: the best detox crockpot lentil soup. As someone who wears many hats—registered dietitian, food blogger, and recipe writer—I understand the importance of health and simplicity in meals.
This lentil soup has been a staple in my kitchen for years. It’s easy to make, loaded with nutrients, and perfect for those looking to reset their bodies, whether after a holiday feast or just a long week. So grab your trusty crockpot, and let’s get cooking!
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Why This Recipe Works?
Step 1: Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
This soup is not just comforting; it’s packed with a variety of vegetables and lentils, making it a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Lentils are a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Each bite is a tiny commitment to your health.
Step 2: Effortless Cooking
Using a crockpot means you can set it and forget it. There’s no need to hover over the stove. Just toss everything in your crockpot, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. It’s like having a personal chef on speed dial.
Step 3: Versatility
You can customize this soup in various ways. Don’t have kale? Spinach will do just fine. Want to amp up the flavors? Experiment with spices. This recipe allows room for your personal touch.
Step 4: Perfect for Meal Prep
This soup stores well and can easily feed a crowd or stretch out for multiple meals. With powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s the perfect meal to support your health journey without breaking a sweat.
How Does It Taste?
If you’re wondering about the flavor, imagine a medley of earthy lentils complemented by sweet butternut squash and a hint of garlic and herbs. The earthy base is uplifted by the freshness of parsley and kale.
And don’t forget the splash of acidity from vinegar or lemon—it’s a game changer! Each spoonful is warm and hearty, making it a comforting meal on a cold day.
What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Lentil Soup Variations?
What makes this detox crockpot lentil soup stand out is its unique combination of ingredients. While many variations take a more traditional route, this recipe blends various textures and flavors.
The addition of yellow split peas enhances the soup’s creaminess. The butternut squash adds natural sweetness, balancing the savory notes beautifully. The infusion of herbs and fresh greens at the end brings a burst of brightness that makes every bowl feel special.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious detox crockpot lentil soup:
- 1 cup dry green lentils
- 2 cups diced celery stalks
- 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 3/4 cup yellow split peas (or sub with extra lentils)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 cups chopped gold or red potatoes
- 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 8–10 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Add at the End:
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2–3 cups chopped kale leaves (tough stems removed)
- 1/2 cup herb-infused olive oil (rosemary or garlic-infused works well)
- A splash of sherry, red wine vinegar, or freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the celery, squash, onion, and potatoes. Mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and chop the kale and parsley. This step may seem time-consuming but it’s essential for a well-cooked soup.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in Your Crockpot
Now, let’s build our soup. Begin with the lentils and yellow split peas at the bottom. This ensures they cook evenly. Next, add the diced celery, butternut squash, onion, garlic, potatoes, and carrots. Sprinkle the Herbes de Provence, salt, turmeric, and pepper on top.
Step 3: Add the Liquid
Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken stock to cover the vegetables and lentils. Make sure everything is submerged—the liquid works wonders to meld the flavors together.
Step 4: Set Your Crockpot
Cover the crockpot and set it on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method allows the flavors to fully develop.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the kale and parsley. This is where it all comes together. The greens will wilt and enrich the soup with their nutrients. Just before serving, drizzle in the herb-infused olive oil and a splash of vinegar or lemon for a delightful brightness.
Notes
Here are some nuggets of wisdom to enhance your soup-making experience:
- Soak the Lentils: Though it’s not necessary, soaking lentils can reduce cooking time and help with digestion.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Adjusting Seasoning: Taste as you go. The balance of salt and acidity can vary based on the broth used.
- Freezing Tips: This soup freezes beautifully. It’s perfect for meal prep!
- Blending Option: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
Nutrition Information
Considering the wholesome ingredients packed into this soup, here’s a rough estimate for one serving (about 1.5 cups):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Fat: 8g
This nutrition info may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
How Do You Store the Best Detox Crockpot Lentil Soup?
Storing this soup is simple. Allow it to cool down completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It lasts about 5 days in the fridge. For freezing, consider individual portions for easy access during busy weeks—this soup stays fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Just be sure to label the containers!
Sides for the Best Detox Crockpot Lentil Soup
1. Whole Grain Crackers: These are perfect for dunking into the soup. Try some rosemary-infused or seeded varieties for extra flavor.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A warm, gooey grilled cheese made with whole grain bread pairs wonderfully with the soup. The richness balances the soup’s freshness.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light, fresh quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon dressing can add a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?
1. Lentils: If you’re out of green lentils, red lentils work great too. They cook faster and have a slightly different flavor.
2. Butternut Squash: Sweet potatoes can be a delightful substitute. They’ll add a different sweetness and make the soup even more hearty.
3. Kale: Spinach is an excellent alternative that cooks down beautifully, offering a subtler taste.
4. Vegetable Broth: If you don’t have broth on hand, water works in a pinch, but consider adding some extra herbs for flavor.
Detox Crockpot Lentil Soup
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry green lentils
- 2 cups diced celery stalks
- 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 3/4 cup yellow split peas or sub with extra lentils
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 2 cups chopped gold or red potatoes
- 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste
- 8 –10 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Add at the End:
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 –3 cups chopped kale leaves tough stems removed
- 1/2 cup herb-infused olive oil rosemary or garlic-infused works well
- A splash of sherry red wine vinegar, or freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the celery, squash, onion, and potatoes. Mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and chop the kale and parsley. This step may seem time-consuming but it’s essential for a well-cooked soup.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in Your Crockpot
- Now, let’s build our soup. Begin with the lentils and yellow split peas at the bottom. This ensures they cook evenly. Next, add the diced celery, butternut squash, onion, garlic, potatoes, and carrots. Sprinkle the Herbes de Provence, salt, turmeric, and pepper on top.
Step 3: Add the Liquid
- Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken stock to cover the vegetables and lentils. Make sure everything is submerged—the liquid works wonders to meld the flavors together.
Step 4: Set Your Crockpot
- Cover the crockpot and set it on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow method allows the flavors to fully develop.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the kale and parsley. This is where it all comes together. The greens will wilt and enrich the soup with their nutrients. Just before serving, drizzle in the herb-infused olive oil and a splash of vinegar or lemon for a delightful brightness.
Notes
- Soak the Lentils: Though it’s not necessary, soaking lentils can reduce cooking time and help with digestion.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Adjusting Seasoning: Taste as you go. The balance of salt and acidity can vary based on the broth used.
- Freezing Tips: This soup freezes beautifully. It’s perfect for meal prep!
- Blending Option: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! You can incorporate cooked chicken or turkey for added protein. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is heated through.
2. How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is mild but can be spiced up with the addition of red pepper flakes or hot sauce. The beauty of this soup lies in its adaptability.
3. Can I use a blender for this soup?
Yes! If you prefer a creamy texture, you can blend half the soup and mix it back in. This adds creaminess without sacrificing the chunky texture.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
Cooking can be a delightful experience, especially with a recipe like this detox crockpot lentil soup. It embodies the perfect blend of ease and health without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re looking to recharge after a busy schedule or simply enjoy a comforting meal, this soup ticks all the boxes.
I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it! Let your crockpot take center stage, and enjoy a moment of relaxation knowing a delicious meal is bubbling away. Happy cooking!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more