I’m kickin’ into full fall mode. The shift from summer food to fall food was an easy one for me, partly due to the fact that I love the heck out of every soup known to man.
So to start out the season right (even though it’s still 83 degrees outside), today I’m sharing with you one of my favorite soup recipes. It’s really easy to make because all you have to do is toss a bunch of ingredients in a slow cooker and walk away. Does this scream “best dinner in the world” to anyone else?
If you like chili, you will love this black bean and lentil soup. It tastes almost exactly like traditional chili, but it’s 100% meat free and is a great way to sneak in veggies to the picky eaters in your house.
You may or may not know this, but I despise cooked tomatoes. With a passion. Just, ew. But since this soup is cooked in a slow cooker for several hours, the tomatoes start to fall apart and become one with the soup. Which makes this soup great for tomato haters.
I have a 6-Quart Crock Pot and I love love love it! I use it for every slow cooker recipe and love how great it works.
At first, I was a little hesitant to try this soup because I wasn’t sure if me or my family would like it. But, guys, my hands have been so full the past few weeks, with school starting up and what not, and getting dinner on the table on time has been a challenge. A BIG challenge. I don’t want to make eating dinner at 8 p.m. a habit.
So I knew I had to give this black bean and lentil soup a shot. And I’m so glad I did. It’s cheap, easy to make, and the best part…you don’t have to stand around in the kitchen for an hour. I can start it at the same time I start lunch (we homeschool), and it’ll be done by 5 p.m.
This recipe does make 8 servings (or 12 cups), and this might seem like too much for your family to eat in one sitting. But this black bean and lentil soup makes great leftovers and freezes very well, so you can whip it out whenever you need a quick meal.
Here’s the recipe:
- ½ lb. bag dry lentils
- ¼ lb. dry black beans
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 1 can organic diced tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 5 cups hot water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Rinse lentils and black beans. Discard any small pebbles or bad beans. Pour them into the slow cooker. Add the onions, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, chili powder, parsley, and hot water to your slow cooker.
- Place your lid on top, and cook on HIGH for 6 hours. Try not to open your slow cooker or stir the soup.
- Remove the lid, and add the salt and pepper to taste. Mash the soup into a thicker mixture if desired. Serve hot. The soup will be very thick, almost like chili. Garnish with sour cream, fresh parsley, or cheddar cheese.
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Ohhhhh, this sounds amazing!! Like you, I am a huge soup fan! I can’t wait to try this!
Thanks Joelle! I know what you mean—I cannot get enough soup. This black bean and lentil soup is really delicious and I hope you try it!
Thanks Joelle! I know what you mean—I cannot get enough of soup. This black bean and lentil soup is really delicious and I hope you try it!
Your recipe looks delicious. I would be honored if you would stop by and share at Foodie Fridays this evening (Thurs 9pm EST). Hope to see you there.
Blessings,
Shari
http://puregracefarms.com/
Definitely saving this one. Once it cools down a bit more I’m making this!
I definitely have to try this!
I am not a fan of black beans, but my husband would LOVE this soup recipe.
That’s awesome Jennifer!
Now that fall is on its way, I am ready to try hearty meals and explore with Meatless Monday options again. I like black beans but I fail badly with lentils. I will try this step by step. Wish me luck.
I love black beans and I have been looking for new ways to cook with them as opposed to just on the side! Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you so much for adding your recipe link at our Grand Opening of #PureBlogLove . Your recipe look delicious! I hope to see you next week at 8 pm EST!
Have a great day
XoXo
Heidy
This looks so delicious! I love lentils and black beans, but I’ve never eaten them together! I’ll have to give this a try! Thanks for the great recipe
Stopping by from Say G’day. I love crockpot soups and I love black beans and lentils. Pinned this one to add to my next meal plan!
Thanks Stephanie!
Thanks Stephanie! I love crockpot soups so much because they’re super time saving and can be quite delicious.
I love lentils so much and this looks delicious!
Thanks for linking up with the Caffeinated Crafters!!
Oh, man – what a totally awesome idea! My husband loves black beans, but I haven’t come up with a way to get him to eat lentils yet. I have to try this!
Visiting from the DIY Sunday Showcase. =)
Thanks Natasha! I’m sure he’ll love this soup. Even the pickiest of eater’s in my house eat bowl after bowl of this soup!
This recipe sounds great. I don’t have a slow cooker, but I figured out how to use my rice cooker as a slow cooker. Black beans are my daughter’s favorite. Stumbled it!
That’s pretty cool Lizzie! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe.
Tried this recipe this week and loved it. Actually, the same day I made it the soup seemed too bland, but the next day I think the flavors had melded better and it was delicious! We will definitely have this again!
I felt the same way when I tried it! The first day I ended up adding more salt and other seasonings to my bowl, but the second day, when we had it for leftovers, it didn’t need any extra seasonings. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with this recipe and I’m glad you liked it!
Yum! this looks so good, another yummy fall recipe. This would be perfect to take to work for lunch.