Description
This French Lentil and Carrot Soup offers a cozy and comforting bowl perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender green lentils, sweet carrots, and fragrant Herbes de Provence, this slow-cooked soup is enriched with rotisserie chicken and heavy cream for a luscious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 3 cups Carrots (chopped) – Adds sweetness and texture; substitute with parsnips for a unique flavor variation.
- 1 cup Dried Green Lentils – The main protein source; can be swapped with brown lentils.
- 1 medium Shallot (chopped) – Offers mild onion flavor; yellow onions can be used as a substitute.
- 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence – Provides a fragrant herbal note; adjust quantity based on preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (fresh ground recommended) – Adds a hint of spice; use fresh ground pepper for enhanced flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt – Balances flavors beautifully; sea salt can also work.
- 4 cups Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth – The base for the soup; vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Add-ins
- 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken (shredded) – For added protein and flavor depth; leave it out for vegetarian.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream – Adds creamy richness; coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients. Chop the carrots and shallot finely to ensure even cooking. Measure out the dried green lentils and gather your spices and broth.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker. In your slow cooker, add the chopped carrots, dried lentils, chopped shallots, Herbes de Provence, pepper, and kosher salt. Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, making sure all ingredients are submerged evenly.
- Slow Cook the Soup. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the soup to cook for 6 to 8 hours until the lentils are tender and the carrots are soft, developing deep, melded flavors throughout.
- Add Chicken and Cream. Once the lentils and carrots are cooked, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and the heavy whipping cream. Cover again and cook on low for an additional 15 minutes to heat through and combine the creamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy. After cooking, give the soup a good stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the rotisserie chicken.
- Parsnips can be used instead of carrots for a different sweetness profile.
- Brown lentils can replace green lentils but may require slight adjustments to cooking time.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option; add towards the end of cooking as well.
- Fresh ground pepper enhances the aroma and flavor over pre-ground varieties.
