Looking for a hands-off dinner that warms you from the inside out? This Mediterranean-inspired Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is exactly what you need. Bright, tangy tomatoes meet hearty lentils, fresh spinach, and a sprinkling of aromatic herbs—making every spoonful taste like a ray of sunshine on a chilly day. Simply set it and forget it, then come back to a kitchen brimming with enticing, savory scents.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
Begin by gathering all your ingredients and getting your slow cooker preheated on low. Layer in the rinsed lentils at the bottom, followed by the onion, carrots, and garlic. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, and top it all off with the vegetable broth.
Sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper evenly over the mix. Give everything a gentle stir, cover your slow cooker, and let the soup work its magic on low for about 6 to 8 hours (or high for 4 hours if you’re pressed for time). You’ll know the soup is ready when the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Just before serving, toss in the fresh spinach leaves and stir in the lemon juice for a refreshing, bright finish. Taste and adjust the seasonings if you like a little more zing.
This Mediterranean Sunshine Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is a dinner hero that fits almost anyone’s needs—vegetarian, high-fiber, and budget-friendly. It’s easily adaptable: try stirring in zucchini, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese if you want a creamier, tangy bite. It’s a great option for busy nights or comforting lunches, and you can freeze the leftovers for a quick meal down the line. Enjoy this simple, wholesome recipe that brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
