Warm, comforting, and nutrient-packed, Lentil Spinach Soup is a delightful dish that combines the richness of lentils with the freshness of spinach. Packed with protein, fiber, and an array of vitamins and minerals, this soup is not only delicious but also a nourishing addition to your mealtime. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rinsed and drained dried lentils, either brown or green
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lentils:
- After rinsing with cold water, drain the lentils.
- Set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
- Warm up the olive oil in a big pot of soup over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for one to two more minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add Lentils and Spices:
- Stir in the lentils, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices and coat the lentils.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Add vegetable broth and bay leaf to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer the Soup:
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- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. Season and Add Spinach:
- Add salt and pepper to taste when preparing the soup.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and lemon juice.
- Continue simmering until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld together, about 5 minutes.
7. Adjust Consistency:
- To attain the right consistency, you can add extra vegetable broth if the soup is too thick.
8. Serve:
- Discard the bay leaf before serving.
- If preferred, top the soup with fresh parsley after ladling it into bowls.
9. Enjoy:
- Serve the Lentil Spinach Soup hot, optionally with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Tips:
- Variation: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or diced potatoes.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spices according to your preference. For a little kick of spice, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days. To extend its shelf life, it can also be frozen. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to containers.
- Garnish Options: Besides fresh parsley, consider topping the soup with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added richness.
10. Lentil Spinach and Coconut Curry:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add curry powder and turmeric, stirring for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk, vegetable broth, and rinsed red lentils. Simmer until lentils are tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add some fresh cilantro as a garnish and serve over cooked rice.
11. Lentil Spinach and Sausage Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions:
- Brown sausage in a pot, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add onions, carrots, and garlic, sautéing until vegetables soften.
- Pour in chicken broth, lentils, and thyme. Simmer until lentils are cooked.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan.
12. Lentil Spinach and Lemon Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
- Celery, carrots, and onions should be sautéed in olive oil until tender.
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, and lemon zest. Simmer until lentils are tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
13. Lentil Spinach and Mushroom Stew:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic until mushrooms release their moisture.
- Add black lentils, vegetable broth, and smoked paprika. Simmer until lentils are cooked.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
14. Lentil Spinach and Sweet Potato Stew:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions:
- Sauté onions until translucent. After adding, boil the sweet potatoes for a short while..
- Stir in red lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and cinnamon. Simmer until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and serve hot.
Conclusion: Savor the Goodness of Lentils and Spinach
This Lentil Spinach Soup is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and robust flavors. Enjoy the nourishing benefits of lentils and spinach in each spoonful, making this soup a perfect choice for a cozy meal or a nutritious lunch. Experiment with the recipe and make it your own, savoring the warmth and goodness it brings to your table.
