Hearty Lentil Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of Hearty Lentil Soup, a comforting, flavor-packed dish that's as nourishing as it is delicious. This wholesome recipe features tender lentils simmered in a fragrant blend of ground cumin, paprika, and thyme, paired with a medley of sautéed vegetables including carrots, celery, and onion. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a stir of baby spinach add a vibrant finish to this satisfying soup. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot wonder is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, offering six generous servings of plant-based comfort. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate warming meal that's both healthy and hearty. Keywords: hearty lentil soup, plant-based recipe, healthy dinner, vegan comfort food, easy lentil soup.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium celery stalks
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Dice the onion, and chop the carrots and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic.

Step 3

Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Rinse the lentils under cold water, then add them to the pot along with the canned diced tomatoes (including liquid), vegetable broth, and bay leaf.

Step 6

Season with cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf from the pot.

Step 9

Stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Add the fresh lemon juice for a bright finish and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 11

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a heartwarming meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2497.1 grams (2497.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1747

Total Fat 45.00g	58%
Saturated Fat 7.60g	38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6401mg	278%
Total Carbohydrate 269.10g	98%
Dietary Fiber 57.30g	205%
Total Sugars 49.80g
Protein 86.80g	174%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 675mg	52%
Iron 28mg	156%
Potassium 5700mg	121%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.1%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 58.9%