Lentil Soup with Spinach
Lentil Soup with Spinach is a hearty and wholesome vegan soup that combines the rich flavor of lentils with the vibrant freshness of spinach. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a comforting and nutritious meal.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Lentil Soup:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.
Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Add Spinach and Serve:
- Stir in the chopped spinach leaves and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
Serve Lentil Soup:
Ladle the lentil soup into bowls.
Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley leaves if desired.
Serve hot as a comforting and nutritious lentil soup with spinach.
TIPS
- You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like diced potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste by adding more spices or salt and pepper as needed.
- For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the spinach.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: 200-250 (approximate values)
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Fiber: 8-10g
