Slow Cooker Lentil Stew

A bowl of lentil stew topped with slices of lime and avocado.

This hearty Lentil Stew is a comforting blend of lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, it's an ideal meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Optional meat additions like chicken or sausage make it versatile for all eaters. See the notes if you want to add meat. Finish with a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.

The soup will get thicker the next day and it will be even more flavorful.

4.66 from 20 votes

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 5 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 153kcal

Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 medium onions diced
2 red bell peppers chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons harissa paste or powder
1 tablespoon curry powder
1-½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoons ground cardamom
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 cups lentils
2 cups chopped cauliflower
4 large carrots diced
1 large sweet potato peeled and diced
8 cups chicken broth
1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 bay leaves
4 cups chopped fresh spinach
juice of 1 to 2 lemons

Instructions

If you have time, this step will develop the flavors in the spices. Otherwise, skip to step 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, red peppers, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes. Add garlic, harissa, curry, ginger, cardamom, salt, cinnamon, and cayenne, and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
Transfer the spice and onion mixture to a slow cooker. Toss in the lentils then add the cauliflower, carrots, sweet potato, broth, tomatoes, and bay leaves. Stir to combine. Cover and cook until the lentils are tender, about 4 to 5 hours on high or 8 to 9 hours on low.
In the final 20 to 30 minutes of cook time, remove the bay leaves and stir in the spinach and chicken sausage (if using). Season with salt and pepper if needed. Just before serving stir in the lemon juice.

Notes

Not all brands of harissa are the same. Some brands of harissa powder or paste are much spicier than others. If you are not sure how much of a kick your spice blend has, start with half the amount listed and add more if desired.

Adding meat: You can add 1 pound of cubed raw chicken, beef, or lamb along with all the veggies in step 2. If you use precooked meat like chicken sausage or Andouille sausage, add precooked meat during the last 30 minutes so it doesn't get dry and tough.

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