Lemon-Spinach Lentil Delight

Lentil Soup with Lemon and Spinach: A Hearty and Healthy Comfort Food

Warm up with a bowl of vibrant Lentil Soup with Lemon and Spinach. This hearty and comforting soup combines earthy lentils with the bright zest of lemon and the fresh, tender bite of spinach for a flavorful and nutritious meal. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this soup offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes in every spoonful. The bright lemon notes cut through the earthiness of the lentils, creating a surprisingly refreshing and flavorful soup.

This Lentil Soup with Lemon and Spinach is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and healthy meal. The lentils provide a good source of protein and fiber, while the spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals. The lemon brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing. It's a soup that's both comforting and surprisingly light, perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner. The ease of preparation, combined with its delicious taste and nutritional benefits, makes this soup a true winner. It's a recipe that's both easy and rewarding.

Weeknight Comfort: Simple, Healthy, and Delicious

This recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner: quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor. The Lentil Soup with Lemon and Spinach proves that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring. The vibrant colors and the combination of earthy and bright flavors make it a visually appealing and incredibly satisfying meal. It’s a simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet it delivers a rich and complex flavor profile that's sure to impress. The addition of lemon and spinach elevates this classic soup to a new level of deliciousness. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and health.

Recipe: Lentil Soup with Lemon and Spinach

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

45 minutes

Servings:

6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (200g) brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce / 400g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 5 ounces (140g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Add garlic, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Add Lentils and Broth: Add lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. Add Spinach and Lemon Juice: Stir in spinach and lemon juice. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread (if desired).

Expert Tips & Variations:

• Use red lentils for a creamier soup, but note that they will cook faster (about 20 minutes).
• Add other vegetables, such as potatoes, zucchini, or kale.
• Substitute fresh herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, for the dried thyme and oregano.
• Add a Parmesan cheese rind to the soup while it simmers for extra flavor. Remove the rind before serving.
• Use canned lentils for a quicker meal, but reduce the cooking time to about 15 minutes.
• Top with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream for added richness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Approximately 250 calories, 15g protein, 40g carbohydrates, 5g fat. (This is an estimate, excluding bread).

Serving Suggestion:

Serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread. A simple green salad is a great complement to this hearty soup.

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This Lentil Soup with Lemon and Spinach is a delicious and nutritious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe and share your culinary creations with us! Share your photos on social media using #lentilsoup. For more delicious and inspiring recipes, visit our website: https://flavortrailrecipes.blogspot.com/