Description
A hearty and nutritious Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup, packed with protein-rich lentils and creamy butter beans, flavored with warm spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. This comforting soup is perfect for a wholesome meal that’s both filling and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, forming the flavor base of the soup.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant to enhance the taste.
- Add lentils and spices: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- Simmer lentils: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender, ensuring the soup thickens slightly.
- Add butter beans and spinach: Stir in the drained butter beans and chopped spinach, mixing gently.
- Finish simmering: Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and beans to heat through.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- This soup is vegetarian and vegan-friendly when using vegetable broth without animal products.
- For added texture, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
- If a smoother texture is preferred, blend a portion of the soup before adding the spinach and beans.
- Adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the cumin, paprika, or turmeric according to taste.
