Description
This Easy One-Pot Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines hearty lentils with fresh vegetables and warm spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s simple to prepare, requiring just one pot, and is packed with nutrients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 cup Green or Brown Lentils (Rinsed thoroughly before use)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin for best flavor)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 medium Carrots (Diced)
- 1 stalk Celery (Chopped)
- 1 14.5-ounce can Canned Diced Tomatoes (With juices)
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (Quality broth enhances flavor)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Added at the end of cooking)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes (To taste)
- Salt (To taste)
- Pepper (To taste)
- 1 lemon Lemon Juice (Added before serving)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process without interruptions.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent, developing a sweet base flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook Carrots and Celery: Add the diced carrots and chopped celery. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and blend flavors.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir well, coating them evenly with the vegetable mixture.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts, adding a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Season Soup: Season with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes according to taste, enhancing the soup’s Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Finish with Lemon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the soup’s taste before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or dust before cooking.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a mild soup.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro make excellent garnishes to add extra flavor and color.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
