Name: The Best Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 14-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes; 3 cups baby spinach, sliced into ribbons (or kale as a substitute); 2 cups dry green or brown lentils; 7 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

Description

This hearty and flavorful lentil soup is the ultimate comfort food made with simple ingredients like fresh vegetables, lentils, and bold spices. Cooked all in one pot, it's an easy-to-make, nutritious, and satisfying soup perfect for any day.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
14-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
3 cups baby spinach, sliced into ribbons (or kale as a substitute)

Dry Ingredients and Spices

2 cups dry green or brown lentils
7 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Finishing Touch

1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook while stirring frequently for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
Add Lentils, Tomatoes, and Spices: Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices, the dry lentils, vegetable broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.
Blend for Creaminess (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot a few times, or transfer 1 to 2 cups of soup to a regular blender, puree, and then return it to the pot.
Add Greens and Lemon Juice: Stir in the baby spinach ribbons and lemon juice. Allow the spinach to wilt, which takes about one minute. Taste and add salt as needed to adjust seasoning.

Notes

For a thinner soup, add more water or vegetable broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This soup freezes well; store in individual or larger containers for convenient future meals.
If using kale instead of spinach, add it earlier during cooking and simmer for about 10 extra minutes until tender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian