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Hearty Lentil Vegetable Soup with Spinach and Tomato Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 40 reviews

A hearty and nutritious Lentil Vegetable Soup that combines the earthiness of lentils with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a wholesome meal, offering a flavorful blend of cumin, garlic, thyme, and oregano simmered in vegetable broth, finished with fresh spinach for a vibrant touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, pressed or grated
  • 5 ounces spinach (about 4 to 5 cups)

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon cumin, ground
  • 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
  • 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
  • ¾ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper or red pepper flakes

Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cans (15-ounce each) diced tomatoes

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown, uncooked, rinsed with water)

Instructions

  1. Make flavor base: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add chopped carrots, onion, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring often until vegetables soften.
  3. Add spices and garlic: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 4 cloves of pressed or grated garlic. Continue sautéing for an additional minute until aromatic.
  4. Add remaining ingredients: Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth, 2 cans diced tomatoes, 1 cup rinsed dried lentils, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer the soup: Cover the pot with a lid, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Crack the lid open slightly and simmer for 30 minutes or until the lentils are cooked yet retain a slight bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Optional blending: For a creamier texture, blend about 2 cups of the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer to a standing blender and puree.
  7. Add spinach: Stir in 5 ounces of fresh spinach and simmer for a few more minutes until wilted. Add more vegetable broth or water if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
  8. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add additional salt if necessary.
  9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally drizzle fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil on top. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
  10. Make it a meal: Serve the soup with warm pita bread, focaccia, or thick toasted crusty bread rubbed with garlic for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute brown or green lentils as preferred.
  • For extra creaminess, partially blending the soup enhances texture without losing the wholesome feel.
  • Adding lemon juice brightens the flavor profile significantly.
  • Adjust the salt and pepper according to taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Pairing the soup with hearty bread makes it more filling and perfect for colder days.

Keywords: lentil soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, Mediterranean lentil soup, easy soup recipe, lentil vegetable soup

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/hearty-lentil-vegetable-soup-with-spinach-and-tomato-recipe/