Crockpot Lentils

Crockpot Lentils Recipe - Vegetarian Lentil Stew with Fresh Veggies and Cheddar

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2.5-3 hours | Servings: 6-8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Crockpot Lentils is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The lentils are cooked slowly in a crockpot with a variety of vegetables and seasonings, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Lentils have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries, prized for their high protein and fiber content. This recipe for Crockpot Lentils is a modern twist on traditional lentil dishes, utilizing the convenience of a slow cooker to create a delicious and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lentils, rinsed and picked over
2 cups of chopped onions
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of canned tomatoes, chopped, with liquid
2.5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
2 large carrots, sliced
0.5 cup of sliced celery
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp of fresh chopped parsley
1 dried bay leaf
0.5 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of ground marjoram
0.13 tsp of crumbled sage leaves
0.13 tsp of dried thyme leaves
8 oz (227 g) of shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Place all ingredients, except the cheese, in the slow cooker and cook on the high setting for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the lentils are tender.
Stir in the cheese until it is melted.
Serve hot, topped with more cheese, if desired.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Use different types of lentils, such as red lentils or French green lentils, for a unique twist.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as curry powder or cumin, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse and pick over the lentils before adding them to the slow cooker to remove any debris or impurities.

- For added flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

- To make this dish vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Lentils can be served on its own as a hearty main dish, or paired with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the lentils allows them to become tender and flavorful, while also allowing the vegetables to soften and meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable or chicken broth in place of the vegetable broth.

- Substitute other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for the cheddar cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

Crockpot Lentils can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crockpot Lentils in individual bowls, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Pairing Recommendations

Crockpot Lentils pair well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Crockpot Lentils in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Lentils contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot Lentils contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Lentils contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot Lentils contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crockpot Lentils are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of cheddar cheese.

Summary

Crockpot Lentils are a nutritious and satisfying dish that is high in protein and fiber. This recipe is a great option for a healthy and filling meal.

Summary

Crockpot Lentils are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this hearty dish on a chilly evening for a satisfying and filling dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Crockpot Lentils. It was a rainy day in the fall, and I was feeling restless and in need of some comfort food. I decided to dig through my collection of cookbooks and stumbled upon an old, weathered recipe book that I hadn't looked at in years. As I flipped through the pages, I came across a simple recipe for Crockpot Lentils that caught my eye.

The recipe was written in faded ink, with notes scribbled in the margins in my own handwriting. I could tell that I had made this dish before, but it had been so long that I had almost forgotten about it. The memories came flooding back as I read through the ingredients and instructions, and I knew that I had to make it again.

I remembered where I had first learned to make Crockpot Lentils. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had taken me under her wing and taught me the art of cooking. She had a vast collection of recipes that she had acquired from various places and people over the years, and she was always willing to share her knowledge with me.

One day, as we were preparing dinner together, she had pulled out an old, tattered recipe book and showed me the recipe for Crockpot Lentils. She explained that lentils were a staple in many cuisines around the world, and that they were not only delicious but also very nutritious. She showed me how to prepare the lentils, how to season them with just the right amount of spices, and how to slow-cook them in the crockpot until they were tender and flavorful.

I had watched her with wide eyes as she worked her magic in the kitchen, and I had eagerly helped her every step of the way. As we sat down to eat the Crockpot Lentils that evening, I knew that this dish would become a favorite of mine for years to come.

Over the years, I had made the recipe for Crockpot Lentils countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I had shared it with friends and family, who had all raved about how delicious and comforting it was. It had become a staple in my own recipe collection, a dish that I could always turn to when I needed a warm and hearty meal.

As I read through the recipe in my old cookbook, I knew that it was time to make Crockpot Lentils once again. I gathered the ingredients, chopped the vegetables, and tossed everything into the crockpot. The familiar aromas of cumin, coriander, and garlic filled the air as the lentils simmered away, slowly absorbing all of the flavors.

Hours passed, and the lentils grew softer and more tender with each passing minute. The house was filled with the tantalizing scent of the dish, and I could hardly wait to dig in. Finally, the time had come to serve up the Crockpot Lentils, and I ladled a generous portion into a bowl.

I took a bite, savoring the rich and earthy flavors of the lentils, the warmth of the spices, and the tender vegetables. It was just as delicious as I remembered, a comforting and satisfying meal that warmed me from the inside out. I knew that my grandmother would have been proud of me for carrying on her legacy of cooking and sharing delicious recipes with those I loved.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but smile as I thought about all of the memories and experiences that had led me to this moment. The recipe for Crockpot Lentils was not just a dish but a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and wisdom that my grandmother had shared with me so many years ago. And as I savored each mouthful, I knew that this recipe would continue to hold a special place in my heart for many years to come.