Go Back
A steaming bowl of Crockpot vegetable lentil stew, freshly made.

Hearty Slow-Cooker Vegetable & Herb Lentil Stew

A comforting and nutritious slow-cooker lentil stew packed with vegetables and herbs, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 crushed tomatoes (28 ounce) can
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • slow cooker

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker or add raw vegetables directly.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and optional smoked paprika; stir gently.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until lentils and vegetables are tender.
  6. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, don't skip sautéing the aromatics. This stew reheats beautifully and is even better the next day!