Description
This lentil soup is a cozy, high-protein one-pot meal with tender lentils and vegetables, finished with lemon for fresh, bright flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 cups dry brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 8–10 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered 25–35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
- For a thicker soup, mash some lentils against the side of the pot or blend 1–2 cups and stir back in.
- Turn off heat. Stir in spinach (if using) to wilt, then add lemon juice and parsley. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 8–10 minutes until softened.
Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer partially covered 25–35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
For a thicker soup, mash some lentils against the side of the pot or blend 1–2 cups and stir back in.
Turn off heat. Stir in spinach (if using) to wilt, then add lemon juice and parsley. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired