Description
This Mediterranean Lentil and Spinach Soup is a flavorful, nutrient-dense one-pot meal, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh spinach, and bold Mediterranean spices, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish your family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Add Spinach: Stir in spinach and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- Use canned lentils to reduce cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
