Essence of Lentils and Spinach Soup
A simple yet profound soup where earthy lentils and fresh spinach create a deeply satisfying, soul-nourishing bowl. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 43 minutes pairs rinsed lentils, medium, diced carrot, stalks, diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed lentils
- 1 medium, diced carrot
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 1 small, diced onion
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups, packed spinach
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced carrot, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 small diced onion, and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook for 6 minutes until vegetables soften and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup rinsed lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 can diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 4 cups packed spinach and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Let sit for 3 minutes until spinach wilts, then serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Essence of Lentils and Spinach Soup take to make?
Total time is about 43 minutes (15 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Essence of Lentils and Spinach Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Essence of Lentils and Spinach Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Essence of Lentils and Spinach Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Essence of Lentils and Spinach Soup vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A perfect weeknight meal. The recipe was easy and the soup was delicious. My kids even ate it without complaining!
- ★★★★★
The lentils and spinach blend perfectly. I'll definitely make this again for my weekly dinners.
- ★★★★★
This soup is a dream! I made it for my family and everyone loved it. The flavors are so fresh and comforting.
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