Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Lentil Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives

Name: Slow-Cooked Mediterranean Lentil Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup dried green lentils; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces carrots; 1 medium, finely chopped onion; 2 cloves, minced garlic; 1/2 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 1/4 cup, pitted and chopped black olives; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup, chopped fresh spinach; to taste salt; to taste freshly ground black pepper

A deeply flavorful, plant-based soup simmered with lentils, vegetables, and Mediterranean herbs, offering a comforting taste of America's diverse culinary heritage.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Category: Soups

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 35 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

1 cup dried green lentils
4 cups vegetable broth
2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch pieces carrots
1 medium, finely chopped onion
2 cloves, minced garlic
1/2 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup, pitted and chopped black olives
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup, chopped fresh spinach

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and golden at the edges, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
Step 2: Add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 medium carrots diced into 1/2-inch pieces, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped, 1/4 cup black olives chopped, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender and vegetables are soft.
Step 3: Discard the bay leaf. Stir in 1/2 cup fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted and vibrant green. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting for balance.