Hearty Lentil Soup with Spinach & Garlic: A Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food
This nourishing lentil soup is packed with hearty lentils, fresh vegetables, and warming spices like cumin and turmeric. It's a comforting, protein-rich dish perfect for a cozy meal, and it's naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils rinsed and picked over
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 medium potato peeled and diced (optional for added texture)
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for a non-vegan version
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric optional for added health benefits
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for a touch of brightness
Instructions
- Directions for Making Hearty Lentil Soup with Spinach & Garlic
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by rinsing and picking over the lentils to remove any debris. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside so you're ready to start cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the Root Vegetables: Next, add the chopped carrots, celery, and optional potato to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Add the Broth and Lentils: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, including the juices from the can. Add the rinsed lentils and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Season the Soup: Once the lentils and vegetables are tender, add the ground cumin, dried thyme, ground turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you'd like a little extra zing, add a tablespoon of lemon juice for a refreshing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This hearty lentil soup with spinach and garlic is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work well in this recipe, using fresh herbs such as thyme and parsley can take the flavor to the next level.
Customize the texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup or transfer a portion of it to a regular blender and puree it before returning it to the pot.
Add protein: While lentils provide a good amount of protein, you can boost it further by adding some cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu if desired.
Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the garlic for a spicy kick.