Description
A hearty and flavorful lentil soup made with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and tender lentils simmered to perfection. This nutritious and filling soup is perfect for a comforting meal and easy to prepare using simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 14-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
- 3 cups baby spinach, sliced into ribbons (or kale)
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
Lentils and Broth
- 2 cups dry green or brown lentils
- 7 cups vegetable broth
Spices and Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, peeled and chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring frequently for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the can of crushed or diced tomatoes with their juices, dry lentils, vegetable broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend several times within the pot until just slightly pureed, or transfer 1-2 cups of soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and return it back to the pot, stirring to incorporate.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the baby spinach ribbons and lemon juice. Allow the spinach to wilt for about a minute. Taste and season with salt as needed before serving.
Notes
- This lentil soup is a wholesome, one-pot meal that’s both budget-friendly and packed with nutrition.
- Using fresh spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the soup.
- For extra creaminess, blending a portion of the soup is optional but highly recommended.
- You can substitute kale for spinach if preferred.
- Adjust salt to taste especially if using a low-sodium broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 236
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 16 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
