Hearty Rich Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Hearty soups often carry deep, comforting flavors that warm the soul, and this rich red lentil soup with spinach delivers an incredible culinary experience.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected the art of creating nourishing meals with simple ingredients.

Vibrant red lentils merge beautifully with tender spinach leaves, creating a stunning color palette on your plate.

Nutritious and satisfying, this soup brings robust protein and earthy undertones to every spoonful.

Each ingredient carefully selected transforms the dish into a wholesome meal that feels like a warm embrace.

The recipe balances nutrition and taste with remarkable precision.

You’ll find this soup perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a quick, wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Spinach Lentil Soup: How to Make It

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Grab a large pot and warm up some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and let them dance until they turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle in garlic and a medley of spices like cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and red pepper flakes. Stir quickly to wake up those aromatic flavors.

• Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in red lentils, fire-roasted tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently. Watch the lentils soften and break down, creating a rich, hearty base.

• Green It Up

Fold in fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt into the soup. A quick squeeze of lemon juice will brighten the whole dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper until it sings.

• Serve with Flair

Ladle the vibrant soup into bowls. Dress it up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a creamy dollop of yogurt for extra pizzazz.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Spinach Red Lentil Soup Ingredient List

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing and adds rich flavor foundation.
• Onion: Builds deep, sweet undertones that create a robust soup base.
• Garlic: Adds intense, zesty punch and enhances overall depth of flavor.
• Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy notes with subtle nutty undertones.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky complexity and vibrant reddish color.
• Coriander: Brings bright, citrusy hints that balance the soup's richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Contributes gentle heat and subtle spicy kick.

• Red Lentils: Cook quickly, create creamy texture, and pack serious protein punch.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Deliver smoky sweetness and tangy depth.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid foundation and additional savory layers.

• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and delicate leafy texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and introduces refreshing citrus accent.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance and balance all existing flavor profiles.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish for extra aromatic freshness.
• Plain Yogurt: Optional creamy topping for cooling contrast.
• Olive Oil: Optional finishing drizzle for luxurious sheen.

Must-Have Tools for Lentil Spinach Soup

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering the soup, with enough space to combine ingredients comfortably.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and spinach with ease.
• Chef's knife: Sharp and reliable for precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately adding spices like cumin and smoked paprika.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup into bowls smoothly.

Tips to Upgrade Your Spinach Lentil Soup

• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.
• Transform the soup into a complete meal by stirring in cooked chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for extra protein and substance.
• Create gluten-free and vegan versions by ensuring vegetable broth is certified gluten-free and using dairy-free yogurt or omitting yogurt garnish. For low-carb options, replace lentils with cauliflower or reduce lentil quantity.
• For a creamier soup, blend half the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some lentils whole to maintain a rustic texture and interesting mouthfeel.

Serving Red Lentil Soup Deliciously

• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve this soup alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up all those delicious, smoky flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, or roasted pumpkin seeds to add extra protein and crunch to your bowl.
• Mediterranean Twist: Garnish with a swirl of za'atar-spiced olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of sumac for an authentic Middle Eastern touch that enhances the soup's deep, complex profile.
• Creamy Comfort: Add a generous dollop of Greek yogurt or cashew cream to create a silky, tangy contrast that balances the soup's smoky and spicy undertones.

Planning & Saving Spinach Lentil Soup

• Whip up a double batch of this hearty soup and stash extra portions in airtight containers for quick weekday meals. Perfect for busy professionals or meal-prep enthusiasts wanting nutritious, ready-to-heat dinners.
• Store cooled soup in sealed containers for up to 5 days. The flavors will actually deepen and become more robust overnight, making leftovers even more delicious than the first serving.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Ensure soup is completely cool before freezing to maintain optimal texture and prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm on the stovetop. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick, restoring its original silky consistency and vibrant flavor profile.

Rich Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean kitchens shine with this smoky red lentil soup, blending earthy spices and tender spinach into a comforting bowl of warmth. Rich flavors and nourishing ingredients welcome guests to savor each spoonful of culinary magic.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups vegetable broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 cup (226 g) dried red lentils, rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 23 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Warm olive oil in a substantial pot over medium flame. Sauté onions until translucent and tender, then introduce minced garlic and spice blend (cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, red pepper flakes), allowing the aromatics to bloom and release their intense fragrance.
2. Liquid Fusion: Incorporate red lentils, fire-roasted tomatoes, and vegetable broth into the spiced mixture. Elevate heat to initiate boiling, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow the ingredients to meld, transforming lentils into a creamy, soft consistency for 15-20 minutes.
3. Herbaceous Finale: Fold fresh spinach into the simmering soup, letting the leaves wilt gracefully. Brighten the flavor profile with a splash of lemon juice, then calibrate seasoning using salt and freshly ground black pepper to achieve a harmonious taste.
4. Presentation: Ladle the richly textured soup into serving vessels. Enhance with optional garnishes like fresh herbs, a delicate olive oil drizzle, or a luxurious yogurt dollop to elevate the sensory experience.

Notes

• Toast spices briefly to unlock their deep, rich flavors and prevent burning, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Watch lentil texture carefully; they should be soft but not mushy, maintaining a slight bite for optimal soup consistency.
• Adjust vegetable broth quantity based on desired soup thickness – add more for thinner soup, less for a heartier version.
• Swap dairy yogurt with coconut yogurt for vegan option, or use Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg