I made this the other day on the stove. You could put it in a crockpot, though, I just wouldn't add the tomatoes, or any salt, until later because they'll slow down the lentil cooking time. You could add more celery to use up what you have!
Lentil Bean Stew
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 t fresh ginger, grated (or use paste)
6 cups water
1 c lentils (any color, I mix it a few together)
1 (15 oz or so) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (15 oz or so) can kidney beans
2 (15 oz or so) can diced tomatoes
1/2 c carrots, cut into thin rounds
1/2 c celery, thinly sliced into half rounds
1-2 t chili powder
1.5 t cardamom
1 t garam masala
1 t cumin
(optional: ground beef, browned, or turkey sausage, sliced)
salt and pepper to taste
Saute the onion, garlic, and ginger in some oil. (Saute any optional meat with it.) Rinse the lentils. Dump everything into a soup pot on the stove top. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn down to a low heat until lentils and beans are soft. This is a soup that can sit on the back of the stove simmering through the day for easy scoops out of it for lunch and supper.
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