Description
This Spinach Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort food for cold nights or wholesome lunches. Packed with hearty lentils, fresh spinach, and warming spices, it’s a nutritious and flavorful option that’s perfect for meal prep, easy dinner ideas, or healthy snacks. A one-pot wonder that’s vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with protein, fiber, and all the cozy soup vibes you crave.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups vegetable broth
1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 bay leaf (optional)
5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots, sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to build flavor.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and add rinsed lentils and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
6. Stir in chopped spinach and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
7. Remove bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread or a splash of lemon.
Notes
This soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
You can swap spinach for kale or chard, just cook a few minutes longer.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a burst of brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 2 cups)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spinach Lentil Soup, easy dinner, vegan soup, healthy soup, lentil recipes, quick dinner ideas