Slow Cooker Golden Lentil Soup (Vegan)

by becky
Created
Imported from dishingouthealth.com

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Slow Cooker (or Instant Pot) Golden Lentil Soup is a low-fuss meal perfect for healthy weeknight meals. Rich in fiber, protein, & anti-inflammatory spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 large carrots (thinly sliced)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 1/2 cups dry red lentils
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger ((or 1 tsp. ground ginger))
  • 1 small bunch lacinato kale, stemmed and roughly chopped ((or 3 handfuls of fresh baby spinach))
  • 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of yogurt, brown butter almonds (recipe in notes)

Directions

  1. SLOW COOKER: Place first twelve ingredients (through ginger) in a 5- to 6-quart electric slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Stir well to combine.Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours, until lentils soften. Turn off heat, and stir in kale, coconut milk, and lime juice. Cover and let stand 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (you may want a pinch more salt or black pepper for spice). Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  2. INSTANT POT: Set Instant Pot to SAUTE. Allow pot to heat for 3 minutes. Add 2 Tbsp. olive oil, along with onions, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, and ginger. Cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, lentils, broth, and water. Cover and fasten lid. Lock and seal steam valve. Set to HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.When cooking ends, carefully release pressure by turning Pressure Release to VENT. Stir in kale, coconut milk, and lime juice; let stand 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon into bowls and garnish with cilantro.