Spinach and Lentil Soup is a warm, comforting, and nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for any time of year, especially during cooler months. Combining hearty lentils with vibrant spinach and aromatic spices, this soup offers a rich and satisfying experience that’s both wholesome and easy to make.
Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them an ideal ingredient for soups. They cook quickly, absorb flavors well, and help keep you full longer. Spinach adds a burst of color and freshness, along with a boost of iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Together, these two ingredients create a powerhouse meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
The soup starts with a base of sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, classic aromatics that build depth. Warm spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric are added to create a gently spiced, earthy flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Simmering the lentils in vegetable broth infuses them with flavor, while fresh spinach is stirred in at the end to retain its texture and nutrients.
Spinach and Lentil Soup is not just nutritious, it’s also budget-friendly and great for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be frozen for future meals. Serve it with crusty bread, a dollop of yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a make-ahead meal, this soup delivers on every front. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, yet light and nourishing. Once you make it, Spinach and Lentil Soup might just become a regular feature in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 4 cups spinach fresh
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Stir to coat the vegetables.
- Add the lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
I found it kinda bland. Could use more spices or something.
Bland? I thought it was fine! Maybe you just don’t like lentils?
I agree, it does need a little kick! I added some cayenne pepper and it was so much better!
It’s just lentils and spinach, lol. I expected more flavor. I mean c’mon!
Soup 🥣 is good, but why use broth? Water works just fine! Save money!
This is just soup, what’s the big deal? It’s not like it’s gourmet or anything.
Maybe it’s not gourmet, but it looks super healthy! I love lentils 🥬
It’s soup but it’s tasty soup! Can’t you appreciate a good recipe?
Delicious! I added a bit of lemon juice on top, and it was perfect.
Made this last night—so cozy. The cumin + turmeric combo smells amazing, and the spinach makes it feel super fresh. I simmered closer to 25 min and it was perfect.
Too many veggies!! Can’t taste the lentils at all. 😡
I don’t know about this one. Lentils are kinda bland, right? Not my fave.
Bland? Nah! With the right spices like cumin and paprika, lentils can taste amazing! Give it a shot, you might be surprised!
I totally get that! Lentils can be a bit bland on their own, but they soak up flavors really well. The spices in this soup might change your mind!
What if I don’t have vegetable broth? Can I just use water?
This soup is so yummy! I added some lemon juice at the end and it was awesome.
Lemon juice? Really? That sounds a bit odd for soup. I usually prefer it plain. But if you liked it, cool!
This is super healthy but also kinda bland without more salt. I ended up adding garlic powder and black pepper and then it was way better.
Pretty solid recipe. I followed it but my lentils took closer to 35 minutes to get tender (maybe I used different lentils). Still turned out great and the spinach step was perfect.
Just made this and it’s sooo good! My kids loved it too. Thanks!
Spinach??? Yuck! I used kale instead. Still turned out great!
Spinach or kale, who cares? It’s all gonna taste the same in soup.
Kale is actually really good too! I might try that next time, thanks for the tip!
I made this but forgot the garlic 🤦♀️. Still turned out okay, I guess.
How could you forget the garlic? That’s like making a cake without sugar! 😆 Next time, double-check your ingredients!
Garlic is super important! But I’m glad it still turned out okay for you. Soup is very forgiving!
Spinach is good for u. Helps with iron and stuff, right? I hope I did it right.
I thought lentils were bad for iron? Not sure if that’s right. But soup looks nice.
Yeah, spinach is super healthy! Iron helps a lot. Your soup sounds yum!
Is this really enough for 4 people? Feels more like a side dish to me. 🤔
I think it should be enough! Lentils are filling, plus with all the veggies, it’s a complete meal if you ask me. 😄
I followed it exactly but my lentils stayed kinda firm after 25 minutes. Maybe my stove runs cool? Other than that, flavor was good though.
It’s okay. I guess I prefer chicken soup. Don’t see the hype.
So easy to make. But why do we need to rinse lentils? Are they dirty??
It’s just a precaution! Sometimes lentils can have dust or stones from harvesting. Better safe than sorry!
Why rinse? Sounds silly to me. I just throw them in without rinsing. Who has time for that? 🤷♂️
Yummm!!! I made this for dinner and my kids even ate it! Miracle soup!!
That’s amazing! It really is a miracle when kids eat their veggies. I’ll have to try this with my picky eaters!
I followed the recipe, but it tasted bland. Maybe needs more spices?
This soup is super tasty! I love how healthy it is too. Will definitely make it again.
I tried this last week, and I’m in love! So nutritious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
I added some chicken to mine and it was good, but that ain’t vegetarian lol!
I tried it and my soup tasted like curry-ish, but I guess that’s the cumin + turmeric. Also my lentils took like 45 minutes, not 25. Anywho, still ate it all.
Yum!!! This is exactly what I needed. I added some chili flakes for an extra kick.
10/10 would eat again. I like that it’s straightforward and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. I meal-prepped it and it tasted even better the next day.
Not a fan. I tried it but just didn’t like the texture of lentils. Gross.
Easy to make! Took me like 30 minutes for everything. Super quick recipe!
I agree! This soup was so fast to make and really tasty! Made it for lunch and I’m already planning to make it again.
30 minutes? Really? Seems too quick for a soup. I reckon it takes longer if you chop everything yourself.
The lentils took longer than 25 mins to get soft. Might be my stove though.
25 mins? That’s a joke! Lentils are supposed to be quick. Maybe try soaking them next time?
I’ve had the same issue with lentils before! Sometimes they just need a little extra time. Don’t worry, it happens.