Cozy Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon Recipe Delight

Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon is like a cozy hug in a bowl, bursting with vibrant flavors and aromas. Imagine the warm scents of earthy lentils mingling with fresh spinach and zesty lemon, making your kitchen smell like a culinary paradise. It’s the perfect antidote to gloomy days or when you just need to treat yourself to something wholesome yet delicious.

This recipe reminds me of chilly evenings spent curled up on the couch, wrapped in my favorite blanket, spooning this soup as if it were liquid gold. The memories of my grandmother stirring a pot on the stove while sharing family stories are forever etched in my heart. Now, I whip up this delightful dish whenever I want comfort food that doesn’t weigh me down. Trust me; once you taste this bowl of love, you’ll be back for seconds!

Ingredients for Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green or Brown Lentils: These legumes provide protein and fiber while soaking up all those scrumptious flavors.
• Fresh Spinach: Use tender leaves for a nutrient boost and vibrant color that will brighten your soup.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic goodness; feel free to add more if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Carrot: Diced carrots add natural sweetness and crunch; they’re the cheerful little gems of this soup.
• Celery: This crunchy vegetable provides texture and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

For the Seasoning:

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while ensuring rich flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for brightness; don’t forget to zest some for extra zing!
• Cumin: This spice adds warmth and earthiness; it’s like a hug from grandma in spice form!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Base

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften, about five minutes. Don’t rush this step; let those aromatics work their magic!

Step 2: Spice It Up

Once your veggies are softened, add minced garlic and cumin. Stir continuously for about one minute until fragrant—your kitchen should be smelling heavenly by now.

Step 3: Add Lentils and Broth

Pour in rinsed lentils along with vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover your pot and let it simmer gently for about twenty-five minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Mix in Spinach

After twenty-five minutes of simmering bliss, stir in fresh spinach until wilted—this usually takes just two minutes!

Step 5: Brighten It Up

Remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice (and optional zest). Taste-test before adding salt or pepper—sometimes all you need is that citrus zing!

Step 6: Serve

Ladle your comforting Lentil and Spinach Soup into bowls. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more lemon juice on top or garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy!

Enjoy your delightful creation warm or store leftovers in the fridge for later—a meal prep win!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, sauté your onions and garlic until fragrant. Then, add the lentils, followed by the broth and spices. While that simmers, toss in the spinach towards the end to keep its vibrant color and nutrients intact.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your lentil and spinach soup with lemon by adding diced carrots or celery for extra texture. Spice it up with cumin or smoked paprika for a delightful twist. Don’t hesitate to throw in some leftover chicken if you have it!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore its creamy consistency while warming it on the stove or in the microwave.

Sometimes I think my friends keep coming over just for this lentil and spinach soup with lemon! It became our go-to dish during movie nights—it’s like a velvety hug after a long week.

FAQs:

What are the main ingredients in Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon?

The core ingredients for Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon include green or brown lentils, fresh spinach, diced onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and lemon juice. You can enhance the flavor by adding carrots, celery, and spices like cumin or coriander. These ingredients blend together to create a hearty and nutritious soup that is both satisfying and refreshing. The lemon juice adds a bright zing that complements the earthy flavors of the lentils and spinach.

How long does it take to prepare Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon?

Preparing Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon typically takes about 10-15 minutes for chopping the vegetables and gathering ingredients. Cooking time usually ranges from 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils are tender. Overall, you can expect to have this delicious soup ready in about 40-45 minutes. It’s an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

Can I store Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon?

Absolutely! Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes beautifully for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If you find that the soup thickens upon storage, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating.

What health benefits does Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon offer?

Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon is packed with nutritional benefits. Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins such as folate and iron. Spinach provides additional nutrients like vitamin K, A, and C. The addition of lemon not only enhances flavor but also offers vitamin C which boosts your immune system. Together, these ingredients create a wholesome dish that supports overall health.

Conclusion for Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon:

In summary, Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines nutritious ingredients for a healthy meal option. With its rich taste enhanced by fresh lemon juice, this soup is perfect for any season. It’s easy to prepare, store, and reheat, making it ideal for busy lifestyles. Enjoy this delightful soup as part of your weekly meal plan for a nourishing boost!

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Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

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Description

Cozy up with this vibrant Lentil and Spinach Soup with Lemon, a nourishing bowl of comfort packed with earthy flavors and refreshing citrus zest.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp cumin

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Spice It Up: Add minced garlic and cumin to the pot. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Lentils and Broth: Pour in rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
4. Mix in Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
5. Brighten It Up: Remove from heat and mix in freshly squeezed lemon juice and optional zest. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as desired.
6. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Optionally drizzle extra lemon juice on top or garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove debris. Customize by adding seasonal vegetables or spices like smoked paprika for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth if needed.