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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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