Description
A creamy, comforting soup made with red lentils, spinach, and warm spices, balanced with lemon and ginger. Roasted red pepper adds depth, while the lentils naturally thicken the soup for a hearty, plant-based meal that’s perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
-
- ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- ½ tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed
- 1½ vegetable bouillon cubes, crumbled
- 1 roasted red bell pepper (from a jar)
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 slices whole wheat bread, toasted
- Optional garnish: chili flakes
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden.
- Stir in the grated ginger and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, rinsed lentils, crumbled bouillon, roasted red pepper, curry powder, and water. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the lentils are soft.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some texture if desired.
- Stir in the spinach and allow it to wilt. Add more water if needed for a thinner consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper, squeeze in the lemon juice, and serve hot with toasted bread and chili flakes if desired.
Notes
-
- Swap spinach with kale for a heartier soup that freezes better.
- If no roasted red pepper is available, use extra tomatoes or roasted squash.
- Blend only half the soup for a chunkier, stew-like consistency.
- For added creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk.
- Add cooked rice or chickpeas to bulk up the soup for more servings.
- Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering & Blending
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
