Green Lentil Spinach Soup

Name: Green Lentil Spinach Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 sweet onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 carrots (peeled, chopped); 3 celery (chopped); 1 1/2 cups brown lentils (rinsed and picked over); 1 can can diced tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon basil; 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon coriander; 3 oz spinach ({about 3 cups}); 1 dollop plain yogurt; parsley (chopped); Green onions (chopped); Parmesan cheese; Lemon wedges

This Green Lentil Spinach Soup is a hearty vegetarian soup that packs a lot of protein and iron.

Prep15 min
Cook1 hr
Total1 hr 15 min
Makes4 servings
Calories393

Ingredients

4 servings

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 sweet onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 carrots (peeled, chopped)
3 celery (chopped)
1 1/2 cups brown lentils (rinsed and picked over)
1 can can diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon coriander
3 oz spinach ({about 3 cups})
1 dollop plain yogurt
parsley (chopped)
Green onions (chopped)
Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges

Method

1
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots and celery and sauté until vegetables are soft.
2
Add the lentils and continue to sauté for 3 minutes stirring the whole time.
3
Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, oregano, basil, cumin and coriander, stir and bring to a boil. Turn heat down and partially cover the soup. Let simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
4
Add the spinach and let wilt.
5
Serve the lentil soup in soup bowls and garnish with a spoonful of yogurt, fresh parsley, green onions, parmesan and a lemon wedge.

Notes

Make sure you rinse your lentils and pick through them to discard any that look inconsistent or off with the rest of the lentils. If you like a bit more spice in your Lentil Spinach Soup add a 1/2 or 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper. Add more broth for a thinner soup. As it is now it is a bit thicker. You can serve this soup over brown or white rice with a side of Naan or pita bread. When I store the leftovers in the refrigerator I notice the broth gets soaked up. If you want there to be more broth add additional vegetable broth as needed. If you like your lentils with less broth it goes great of a bed of rice.