When the cold winds howl and frost settles on your windows, there's nothing more magical than a bowl of hearty, nutrient-packed soup that promises to warm you from the inside out. This Spinach Lentil Soup isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary hug that combines the earthy richness of lentils with the vibrant freshness of spinach, creating a meal that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. Get ready to transform your winter evenings with this soul-warming dish that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain and set aside.
- In a large soup pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots, sautéing until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the pot, stirring continuously for 30-45 seconds to release their aromatic flavors without burning.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and add the rinsed lentils. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender but not mushy. The lentils should maintain a slight bite.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
- In the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, add fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt and become vibrant green.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs like parsley.
Tips
- Lentil Selection Matters: Use green or brown lentils for this recipe, as they hold their shape better during cooking and provide a nice texture.
- Broth Boost: For extra flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables.
- Spinach Timing: Add spinach at the very end to preserve its bright green color and nutritional value. Overcooking will make it lose its vibrant appearance.
- Texture Control: If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some lentils whole for texture.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop overnight.
- Garnish Game: Elevate your soup with toppings like a dollop of Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, toasted pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil.
- Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy winter weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg