Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lentils

Vegetarian slow cooker lentils cooked to tender are an easy side dish that is healthy and packed with protein. A one pot dish you can set it and forget it until the texture is perfect for your family. One of our easy Crockpot recipes that are cheap and delicious for everyone in the family.

Lentils in a slow cooker are easy to make. Whether you include ham hocks in the pot for flavor and some meat or as is they are delish. Using yellow, brown, green or red varieties makes an easy side that pairs well with your favorite meal. (affiliate links present)

How Long to Cook Red Lentils in Slow Cooker

3-6 hours depending on whether you want to cook on high or low for longer. I will say that in general I always recommend the low setting but not in this case. I actually think less time with a higher heat works better with grains.

Now we have made Slow Cooker Lentil Stew with these which requires more liquid to thin it out and vegetables are added too. If you wanted more of a complete meal I would suggest you try that one too. A hearty choice that you could add stew meat into if you wanted to go all out. It is an easy transition from a side to a soup with more broth added in at the end. You can then adjust the consistency to your liking quite easily.

We shared earlier How Long to Cook Lentils on Stove, this method will take longer but you don’t have to pay attention to it really. Many times I will use two of my Crocks with meat in one and this in another. Goes all day so when we are all back from our busy days we just open them up and enjoy.

If you do want to try this sometime, our favorite do is cooking a Crockpot frozen roast in a larger model and this in another. With a bit of gravy served on top of both of them I don’t bother making anything else unless I happen to have a tube of crescent rolls in the fridge to bake up or something.

How to Cook Crockpot Lentils

• Rinse your lentils and drain excess water from that. Pour into slow cooker.
• Pour in your water, broth or half and half.
• Add seasonings of your choice if you’d like now.
• Close lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8, or until they are as tender as you would like them to be.
• Serve hot right out of the Crock pot as is or thin out to make more of a slow cooker lentil soup out of it.

in pressure cooker

In the past we have made Instant Pot red lentils similarly except with a lot shorter cook time. Same idea, with liquid and simple seasonings but with a different countertop appliance. Both turn out great and make dinnertime easier.

Variations

Now if you wanted to make Lentils and Rice I would use your pressure cooker instead as is produces the best texture that way cooked fast.

If you wanted more of a lentils and ham soup consistency you would just put a ham hock in the middle at the start. Pour in more liquid at the end to get the consistency you want.

Do you have to soak lentils before cooking?

You do not. They actually have a better texture if you cook right out of the bag. Whether you are cooking brown, red, yellow or green a low and long cook will make them mushy. Same goes for soaking beforehand, they will soften too much and break down more than you would like. Of course the texture is personal so if you like it more pureed then you could sit in water for an hour or so first.

This makes a healthy, cheap and vegetarian side dish. You can use them as a protein source instead of meat in other dishes though too. Whether you make Sloppy Lentil Joes with it fresh or with your leftovers served on buns it is a fun new way to “spice it up”.

Like I said above, you can add more broth to make a Crockpot lentil soup recipe of sorts out of it. If I do this often times I will dice up leftover meat and throw that into it as well. Or fry some up in a bit of olive oil and add ham or beef bits in there too.

Lentils are a versatile and nutritious gluten free legume that comes in various varieties, each with its unique flavor, texture, and culinary uses. The differences mainly revolve around their size, color, cooking times, and taste. Here are some of the most common varieties and their distinct characteristics:

Cook Times for Lentils

1. Green Lentils are small, round, and usually green or greenish-brown in color.
   • They have a firm texture and hold their shape well after cooking, making them ideal for salads and side dishes.
   • Typically take longer to cook than some other varieties, around 25-30 minutes total time on the stove.
   • They have a mild, earthy flavor and can absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with.
2. Brown Lentils are small, flat, and brown or greenish-brown in color.
   • They have a tender texture and can become slightly mushy when fully cooked, making them great for soups, stews, and curries.
   • Cook relatively quickly, usually in about 20-25 minutes.
   • They have a mild, earthy flavor and work well in a variety of savory dishes.
3. Red Lentils are small and red or orange in color and best for this slow cooker version below in the recipe card.
   • They have a soft, creamy texture when cooked and tend to break down, making them perfect for thickening soups, dals, and sauces.
   • Cook very quickly, often in 15-20 minutes.
   • They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
4. Black Lentils are small and shiny black, resembling beluga caviar.
   • They have a firm texture and hold their shape, making them suitable for salads, pilafs, and side dishes.
   • Cook in approximately 20-25 minutes.
   • They have a robust, earthy flavor and are often used for their striking appearance.
5. Yellow Lentils are yellow or pale yellow and are often split in half.
   • They have a soft, creamy texture when cooked and are commonly used in soups, especially in dishes like split pea soup.
   • Cook relatively quickly, in about 15-20 minutes.
   • They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are frequently used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.

The variety depends on the specific dish you want to prepare. Some are better suited for soups and stews, while others are ideal for salads or side dishes. Experimenting with different varieties can add variety and nutritional value to your meals.