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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by gently warming olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and allow them to soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet essence.
- 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.
- Incorporate vibrant red lentils, robust fire-roasted tomatoes, and rich vegetable broth into the aromatic mixture.
- 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.
- Allow the lentils to gradually break down and tenderize, transforming the soup into a creamy, luxurious texture over 15-20 minutes.
- Gently fold in fresh, emerald spinach leaves, letting them wilt and integrate seamlessly into the soup’s warm embrace.
- Brighten the flavor profile with a splash of zesty lemon juice, then calibrate the seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.
- 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