The Best Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

14- ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes

2 cups dry green or brown lentils

7 cups vegetable broth

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

3 cups baby spinach, sliced into ribbons or kale

1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

Step 1:

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

Add the onions, garlic, carrots and celery.

Cook, stirring frequently for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2:

Now add the can of tomatoes (with juices), lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander and smoked paprika.

Stir to incorporate everything.

Step 3:

Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened.

For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a few times in the pot.

Alternatively, add 1-2 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth and then return to the pot.

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Step 4:

Stir in the spinach and lemon juice.

It will only take a minute for the spinach to wilt.

Season with salt to taste.

Notes

For a thinner soup, simply add more water or vegetable broth until the desired consistency is reached.

Leftover soup will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
This soup freezes well. Either freeze in individual containers or a large container for quick future meals.

May substitute kale for the spinach, but you will need to cook the kale in the soup about 10 more minutes to get it tender.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown lentils?

While green or brown lentils are typically used in this recipe, you can substitute them with red lentils if you prefer.

Just keep in mind that red lentils tend to cook faster and may break down more, resulting in a slightly different texture.

Is vegetable broth necessary, or can I use water instead?

Vegetable broth adds flavor to the soup.

While you can use water, using vegetable broth will enhance the overall taste of the soup.

You can also use chicken or beef broth if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this soup?

Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of smoked paprika or by adding other spices like chili powder or red pepper flakes.

Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spiciness.

Is it necessary to use an immersion blender to blend the soup?

Using an immersion blender is optional.

It’s used to partially blend the soup, giving it a creamier texture while still leaving some whole lentils.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can blend a portion of the soup in a regular blender as described in the recipe.

Can I use other greens besides spinach or kale?

Absolutely! You can use a variety of greens such as Swiss chard, collard greens, or arugula in place of spinach or kale.

Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the greens you choose.