This post is part of my ongoing restricted diets series with the Free People Blog BLDG 25.
Since it seems this winter is hanging on until the bitter end for a lot of folks this year, I decided it was the perfect opportunity for one last comforting winter meal, like this simple to make spinach, lentil and sweet potato slow cooker soup
OK, sure, I am in California and our idea of winter weather is the low 60s and some rain, but even with our (not so) cooler than usual winter weather — I want hot, comforting foods, that literally feel like a warm hug with every spoonful.
This simple-to-make soup is something you can prep in the morning before work and by the time you get home your dinner is hot, steamy and just ready and waiting for you. Some folks prefer to sauté vegetables like the onion, garlic, leeks, celery etc before adding them to the slow cooker, but to me it defeats the purpose. With a soup recipe like this one, I go for just dumping it all in and letting the slow cooker do its job. This soup is no-fuss and no-frills but it’s hearty, delicious and so satisfying.
This recipe was originally shared on the Free People Blog BLDG 25
[print_this]Spinach, Lentil, & Sweet Potato Slow Cooker Soup – Gluten-Free & Vegan
serves 8 to 10
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 large leek, cleaned well, halved then sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup dried green lentils, soaked overnight or at least 4 hours, sprouted for extra goodness
- 8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
After soaking the lentils, discard soaking water and rinse beans in a strainer. Add rinsed beans and all of the ingredients to your slow cooker, except the baby spinach, and give it all a good stir. Cook on low for 8 hours. Just before serving add the fresh spinach and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.[/print_this]
10 Responses
You know, I think I might just have a go at this one day this week. It looks so wholesome with the lentils and sweet potato. Going to pin it!
This soup sounds wonderful. I love lentil soup, but have never made it in the crockpot. I do have a question. What if I use 7 cups of broth instead of 7 and one hour before serving I add 1 cup of coconut milk? just wondering.
That would probably be delicious!!
Made this soup last night and it is absolutely delicious!!
Hi! I love your recipe, and I featured it in my blog post: 5 Sweet Potato Recipes To Brighten Your Winter (I credited you and linked to your website.) Thank you! – Lily
I can’t wait to try this, it looks so yummy. I’ll be making it today.
I couldn’t find leeks anywhere around here though, I hope it won’t throw the flavor off too much. Thanks for the recipe, I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Thanks, Beth. This was perfect on a rainy day even in Costa Rica. I didn’t have vegetable broth, so I used water and then after adding the spinach, blended most of the liquid with a cup of the other soup contents, plus about a cup of cashews. Made it into a creamy soup with a little added sweetness from the cashews. I’m so grateful to find a really healthy and easy crock pot recipe. It’s a winner!
Hi!
My crock pot is just noy big enough!
How long if I cook it on the stove top?
Thanks
Thank you for this recipe. it’s rainy and cold here and the perfect time for this soup, so I will make something like your soup for my husband soon. I hope he is gonna like it
That’s wonderful. I am so glad that you liked this recipe!! Perfect for a rainy day, I agree.