Description
Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. This comforting soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re winding down after a long day or preparing meals for the week ahead. With its vibrant ingredients and zesty lemon finish, each bowl promises warmth and satisfaction. Plus, it’s simple to make in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- Olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 ½ cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can diced tomatoes or 2 fresh, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and oregano; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth (or chicken broth), bay leaf, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted. Squeeze in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg