Lentil Spinach Soup with Lemon
A light, healthy, and flavorful take on lentil soup with spices, greens, and fresh lemon juice.
A light, healthy, and flavorful take on lentil soup with spices, greens, and fresh lemon juice.
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 whole lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 leaf
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 whole onion (diced)
- 1 whole carrot (peeled and diced)
- 1 quart low sodium vegetable stock ((if not vegetarian you can substitute chicken stock))
- 1 1/4 cups brown green or red lentils, (rinsed and sorted)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves ((or substitute kale swiss chard, or another favorite green))
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro ((or can substitute parsley-- i
- Carbohydrate 7.1606837510744 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.80011359519198 g
- Fiber 2.26994237127444 g
- Protein 0.950919242091734 g
- Saturated Fat 0.387229537400273 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (126g)
- Sodium 21.0403771988069 mg
- Sugar 4.89074137979996 g
- Trans Fat 0.152476496282847 g
- Calories 47 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat up the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and carrot. Sauté until the onion softens and starts to turn golden.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes longer until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir and sauté for 2 minutes longer.
- Add the vegetable stock, water, lentils, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot, slightly vented.
- Let the soup cook for about 30 minutes until the lentils are soft.
- Remove soup from heat, remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup halfway, so that it thickens but still has texture.
- Put soup over medium heat again.
- Add the fresh spinach leaves and cilantro. Stir the greens into the soup for 1-2 minutes until just wilted (covering the pot will wilt them faster).
- Turn off the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice to taste. Adjust seasonings if desired, and serve.
My Simple, Flavorful Lentil Spinach Soup
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school drop-offs, meetings, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often feels overwhelming. But, believe me, nourishing myself doesn't have to be a luxury. It can be simple, fast and surprisingly satisfying. This lentil spinach soup is my go-to recipe for those evenings when I need a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and packed with nutrients. It's a testament to the fact that wholesome food doesn't have to mean complicated cooking.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no need for fancy ingredients or culinary skills. I use what I have on hand – readily available ingredients that I often find on sale or already in my pantry. The vibrant green spinach adds a fantastic punch of nutrients, complimenting the earthy flavor of the lentils perfectly. The tangy lemon juice brightens everything up, adding a refreshing zest that cuts through the richness of the lentils and complements the other spices. A sprinkle of cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note to complete the dish. The combination of all these flavours, is a symphony of satisfying deliciousness.
Why this soup is my weekly staple:
- It's incredibly versatile: Feel free to experiment with different greens – kale, chard, even a mix of both work beautifully. If you're not a cilantro fan, parsley is a great substitute.
- It’s budget-friendly: Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making them incredibly affordable and a budget-friendly choice.
- It's a freezer-friendly option: Leftovers can be easily stored in the freezer for quick and easy weeknight meals. Just reheat and enjoy!
- It’s incredibly forgiving: The recipe is quite forgiving. Don't have exact measurements? Don't worry, it will still turn out delicious.
- It’s packed with nutrients: This soup is packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. I feel good knowing I'm giving myself and my family a nourishing and delicious meal.
This lentil soup isn't just a meal; it's a comforting hug in a bowl, a reminder that taking care of ourselves doesn't require hours of slaving away in the kitchen. This recipe embodies my philosophy – simple ingredients, simple preparation, and enormous flavour and satisfaction. It is a perfect recipe that keeps my body strong and my family happy.
Beyond the practicalities, this soup is a taste of home. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it simmers is warm and inviting. It's the kind of food that evokes feelings of comfort and contentment. And for a busy mom like me, that's just as important as the nutritional benefits.
So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that will nourish your body and soul, give this lentil spinach soup a try. You won't be disappointed. And remember, taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated. Simple, delicious meals like this one are a perfect way to start!
Pro Tip: For an extra flavorful twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a bay leaf to the soup while it's simmering. This adds a beautiful depth of flavour that complements the other spices perfectly. Experiment with different spice combinations to find what suits your tastes best.
