Name: Slow-Cooker Moroccan Lentil Soup With Mustard Greens
Total time: 6 h
Ingredients: 1 onion , chopped fine; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 garlic cloves , minced; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander; Salt and pepper; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup french green lentils , picked over and rinsed; 12 ounces mustard greens , stemmed and sliced ½ inch thick; 4 ounces pitted dates , chopped (¾ cup); 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Why This Recipe Works

For the base of our lentil soup, we used vegetable broth for its light and slightly sweet flavor. As for the type of lentils, we found that French green lentils did the best job of retaining their texture, shape, and flavor through the long simmer. To finish, we wanted a new and interesting flavor. Dates are a common Moroccan ingredient, and we found that they imparted a nutty, sweet flavor to the broth. Also added at the end, mustard greens offered the perfect balance to the warm spices in this dish, adding a subtle peppery bitterness. To add a little acidity and tang we topped the soup with a mixture of Greek yogurt, parsley, and lemon juice for a perfect balance.

Before You Begin

We prefer French green lentils, or lentilles du Puy, for this recipe, but it will work with any type of lentil except red or yellow. If you can't find mustard greens, you can substitute kale.

Instructions

1. Microwave onion, oil, garlic, garam masala, coriander, ¼ teaspoon salt, and cayenne in bowl, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes; transfer to slow cooker. Stir in broth and lentils, cover, and cook until lentils are tender, 7 to 9 hours on low or 4 to 6 hours on high.

Stir mustard greens and dates into soup, cover, and cook on high until greens are tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine yogurt, parsley, lemon juice, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper in bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, topping individual portions with yogurt mixture.