Description
This comforting French Lentil and Carrot Soup combines tender green lentils, sweet carrots, and aromatic herbs slow-cooked to perfection. Enriched with creamy heavy whipping cream and shredded rotisserie chicken, this hearty soup is perfect for cozy meals any time of the year. The Herbes de Provence add a fragrant herbal note, making the dish both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 cups Carrots, chopped (or substitute with parsnips)
- 1 medium Shallot, chopped (or yellow onion)
Legumes & Protein
- 1 cup Dried Green Lentils (can substitute brown lentils)
- 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken, shredded (optional for vegetarian version)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh ground Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or sea salt)
Liquids
- 4 cups Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the carrots and shallot finely. Shred the rotisserie chicken if using. Measure out all the other ingredients.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the chopped carrots, dried green lentils, chopped shallots, Herbes de Provence, freshly ground pepper, and kosher salt. Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are well-covered by the liquid.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the lentils to become tender and the carrots to soften, blending the flavors beautifully.
- Add Chicken and Cream: Once the lentils and carrots are tender, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and heavy whipping cream. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes until everything is heated through and the soup becomes creamy and luscious.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give the soup a good stir, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, then ladle into bowls and serve warm for a cozy and nourishing meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the rotisserie chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Parsnips can be used in place of carrots for a slightly different sweet flavor profile.
- Freshly ground pepper enhances flavor better than pre-ground varieties.
- If you want a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the chicken and cream.
