Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe for Fall Flavor

Crafting a warming smoky red lentil soup with spinach can transport you to culinary comfort in moments.

Aromas of smoked paprika and earthy legumes promise a delightful meal ahead.

Mediterranean ingredients blend seamlessly, creating depth beyond typical soup expectations.

Nutritious lentils offer protein-packed goodness that satisfies hunger beautifully.

Rich spinach adds vibrant color and essential minerals to each spoonful.

Hearty yet light, this recipe balances flavor and nutrition perfectly.

What to Serve with Smoky Lentil Soup

• Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or pita bread to soak up the rich, smoky broth and add textural contrast.
• Pour a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the soup's warmth and highlight its bright, lemony undertones.
• Create a light Greek-inspired salad with cucumber, feta, and fresh herbs to provide a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the soup's deep, smoky flavors.
• Add a dollop of thick Greek yogurt or labneh to introduce creamy coolness and subtle tanginess that cuts through the soup's intense spices.

Variations That Reinvent Lentil Soup

• Protein Power Boost: Replace spinach with kale and add cooked shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein, perfect for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth, add crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegan Creamy Comfort: Blend half the soup until smooth, stir in coconut milk for a creamy texture, and top with roasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute lentils with riced cauliflower, use bone broth instead of vegetable broth, and increase spices for a hearty, low-carbohydrate meal.

FAQ: Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach

• What makes this soup nutritious?

Red lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals. They’re quick-cooking, easily digestible, and provide substantial nutrition in every spoonful.

• Is this soup good for vegetarians?

Absolutely! The recipe is completely vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting yogurt. It offers a rich, satisfying meal with plant-based protein from lentils.

• Can I substitute the spices if I don't have them?

Yes, you can use similar warm spices like curry powder or garam masala. However, smoked paprika gives a unique smoky depth that’s hard to replace exactly.

• How do I know when the lentils are cooked properly?

Lentils are done when they’re soft and starting to break down, creating a slightly thickened soup texture. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes of simmering.

Flavor Boosts in Smoky Red Lentil Spinach Soup

• This smoky red lentil soup delivers incredible flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• Packed with protein-rich lentils and nutrient-dense spinach, the soup provides a wholesome one-pot meal that nourishes your body effortlessly.
• Aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that excites taste buds without complicated techniques.
• Simple toppings like fresh herbs, olive oil drizzle, or yogurt dollop allow personal flair, making the recipe adaptable for different preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Smoky Red Lentil Goodness

• Red Lentils: Protein-packed legume that provides hearty texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and helps cook the lentils smoothly.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that creates a rich, savory foundation for the soup.
• Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Coriander, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice blend that adds warmth, smokiness, and gentle heat.

• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Adds smoky sweetness and extra depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Spinach: Fresh green that provides nutrients and vibrant color.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that balances and lifts the soup's overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and finishing, adds richness and smooth texture.

• Fresh Herbs, Plain Yogurt: Optional toppings that add freshness, creaminess, and visual appeal.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for adjusting and enhancing the soup's final taste.

How to Cook Red Lentil Soup with Spinach

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth. Drop in diced onion and let it dance until soft and translucent. Sprinkle in minced garlic, ground cumin, smoky paprika, fragrant coriander, and fiery red pepper flakes. Stir and toast these spices for a quick minute, releasing their vibrant flavors.

Step 2: Build the Soup’s Foundation

• Fire-roasted tomatoes
• Vegetable broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Cover and let the soup simmer gently, allowing lentils to soften and break down into a creamy texture.

Step 3: Welcome the Greens

Fold in fresh chopped spinach, watching it wilt and melt into the soup. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty lift. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing.

Step 4: Serve with Flair

• Fresh herbs
• Olive oil drizzle
• Dollop of plain yogurt

Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor

• Boost Spice Depth: Toast spices briefly in oil before adding liquid to intensify their flavors and release essential oils, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Prevent Lentil Mushiness: Avoid overcooking by checking lentils at 15 minutes; they should be tender but still hold some texture for the best soup consistency.
• Enhance Nutrient Absorption: Squeeze fresh lemon juice at the end to help your body better absorb iron from lentils and spinach, maximizing the soup's nutritional benefits.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for added protein, or use coconut milk instead for a creamy vegan version that adds richness.
• Perfect Garnish Options: Top with crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, or a swirl of Greek yogurt to add texture, creaminess, and an extra layer of flavor to your soup.

Storing and Reheating Your Lentil Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Let the soup come to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup appears too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is hot and evenly heated.

Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich, Mediterranean-inspired smoky red lentil soup with spinach delivers comfort and deep flavor in one hearty bowl. Packed with aromatic spices and nutritious ingredients, this soup promises a warm culinary journey through Mediterranean traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or water with bouillon)
• 2 ¾ cups fresh spinach, chopped

Aromatics and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Finishing Ingredients:

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by gently warming olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and allow them to soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet essence.
3. Infuse the kitchen with fragrant spices by adding minced garlic, ground cumin, smoky paprika, earthy coriander, and a hint of red pepper flakes, stirring briefly to awaken their intense flavors.
4. Incorporate vibrant red lentils, robust fire-roasted tomatoes, and rich vegetable broth into the aromatic mixture.
5. Elevate the heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, covering the pot to create a nurturing environment for the lentils.
6. Allow the lentils to gradually break down and tenderize, transforming the soup into a creamy, luxurious texture over 15-20 minutes.
7. Gently fold in fresh, emerald spinach leaves, letting them wilt and integrate seamlessly into the soup’s warm embrace.
8. Brighten the flavor profile with a splash of zesty lemon juice, then calibrate the seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.
9. Serve the soup in individual bowls, offering optional garnishes like fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of cool, tangy yogurt for additional depth and complexity.

Notes

• Minimize cooking time by using pre-chopped onions or frozen spinach for quick preparation.
• Choose fire-roasted tomatoes with no added salt to control sodium content and enhance smoky flavor profile.
• Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by ensuring vegetable broth is certified gluten-free and using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
• Boost protein content by adding diced tofu or shredded chicken for non-vegetarian variation, complementing the existing lentil base.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg