Description
This Healthy Blue Zone Crockpot recipe is a plant-based, slow-cooked lentil soup inspired by the longevity hotspots of the world. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like carrots, celery, garlic, and lentils, this easy recipe fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. Ideal for a quick breakfast, easy dinner, or make-ahead meal prep, it’s comforting, hearty, and budget-friendly. If you’re looking for wholesome food ideas, breakfast ideas, or dinner ideas, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups brown or green lentils
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Wash and chop the carrots, celery, and onion into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor.
3. Transfer vegetables to a crockpot. Add rinsed lentils, tomato paste, broth or water, herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 3.5–4 hours, until lentils are tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Sautéing the aromatics before slow cooking enhances flavor depth.
This soup thickens as it cools. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
For extra nutrition, stir in chopped greens like kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Blue Zone Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: healthy crockpot, lentil soup, blue zone recipe, vegan soup, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, food ideas, breakfast ideas