Hearty Lentil Soup with Spinach & Carrots – Plant-Based Comfort

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure, plant-powered comfort? Today we’re making a warm, nourishing classic: a Hearty Lentil Soup with Spinach & Carrots. This dish has deep roots in traditional cooking—simple ingredients simmered slowly to create something wholesome, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. 🥕🍲

Lentils have been cherished for centuries across many cultures for their affordability, versatility, and nutrient-dense goodness. In this recipe, they absorb layers of flavor from aromatics, herbs, and vegetables, creating a rich and rustic soup without needing any fancy ingredients. Carrots bring a touch of natural sweetness, spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition, and a squeeze of lemon brightens everything beautifully.

This is the kind of recipe that fills your home with a comforting aroma and offers a warm hug in every spoonful. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish with crusty bread or as part of a bigger meal, this soup is hearty, nourishing, and wonderfully grounding. Perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something both wholesome and delicious. 💛🍃

So grab your pot and let’s bring this traditional goodness to life!

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Ingredients

Base & Aromatics

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced

Lentils & Broth

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Seasoning

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Greens

• 3 cups fresh spinach

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic & spices: Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and thyme. Cook 1 minute to release their aroma.
3. Add lentils: Pour in the rinsed lentils and toss to coat in the spices.
4. Broth time: Add vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
6. Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
7. Finish: Squeeze in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy with warm bread!

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 35 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~290 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

#lentilsoup #plantbasedcomfort #healthyrecipes #soulfood #warmandcozy

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️