Lentil soup is a comforting, hearty, and nutritious dish that's perfect for any season. It's packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Spices:

• Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.

3. Add the Lentils and Liquid:

• Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water to the pot.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
• Cover and cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

4. Season and Add Spinach:

• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

5. Finish with Lemon Juice:

• Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

6. Serve:

• Remove the bay leaf before serving.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips

• Lentil Variations: You can use any type of lentils for this soup, but cooking times may vary. Adjust accordingly.
• Add Protein: For extra protein, add cooked chicken or turkey to the soup.
• Make It Creamy: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 15g

Lentil soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal that you'll want to make again and again. Enjoy its rich flavors and hearty texture, and feel free to share your own variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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