Name: Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 3 cups fresh spinach; Fresh parsley, for garnish; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp ground coriander (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed; 5 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 41 reviews

If you love dishes that bring warmth and comfort to the table while staying nutritious and bursting with flavor, you absolutely need to try this Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe. This soup combines tender lentils with fresh, vibrant spinach and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, creating a medley of tastes and textures that feels homemade yet sophisticated. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a meal that stores beautifully for busy days, this soup is a fantastic choice that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various cooking ingredients arranged neatly. There is a clear glass jug filled with orange-colored juice on the left side, and next to it are three small glass bowls with different brown and beige spices. In the middle, a white bowl holds orange lentils, and near it is a whole yellow lemon. On the right side, a large white bowl is full of fresh dark green spinach leaves. Two bright orange carrots lie horizontally near the lentils. Below them, a small white bowl contains diced red tomatoes. To the right of the tomatoes, there are two small garlic cloves and a light brown round onion with some texture. The overall layout is clean and organized. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For a soup this rich and flavorful, the ingredients are surprisingly simple yet essential. Each component plays its role in creating a perfect balance of earthiness, spice, freshness, and tang.

2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a smooth base and helps soften the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds a mild sharpness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic warmth and a subtle kick to the soup.
2 carrots, diced: Introduces a hint of natural sweetness and lovely texture.
1 tsp ground cumin: Infuses the soup with earthy, slightly smoky undertones.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds vibrant color and smoky flavor without overpowering.
¼ tsp ground coriander (optional): Brings a light citrus note that brightens the overall taste.
1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed: The hearty backbone of the dish, full of protein and fiber.
5 cups vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base, ensuring a nourishing soup.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness, balancing the earthiness of lentils.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings for enhancing all the flavors.
3 cups fresh spinach: A vibrant, nutritious green that wilts down beautifully into the soup.
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides a tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the savory broth.
Fresh lemon juice, to taste: A final splash of brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a touch of fresh herbal aroma and visual appeal.

How to Make Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your diced onion and carrots. Let these cook, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes until they begin to soften and the onion turns translucent. This step develops the natural sweetness of the veggies and builds the flavor foundations for your soup.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with ground cumin, smoked paprika, and, if using, ground coriander. Cook this fragrant mixture for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast lightly and release their aromatic oils. This invites a beautiful depth and warmth into the soup.

Step 3: Incorporate Lentils, Broth, and Tomatoes

Pour in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything to combine well. Then, bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, partially covered, for about 30 to 35 minutes until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. This simmering step is where all the flavors meld together amazingly.

Step 4: Season and Add Spinach

Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste. After seasoning, add the fresh spinach leaves in batches, stirring after each addition until wilted. The spinach adds a lovely vibrant green color and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the earthy lentils.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Feta

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve the soup hot, generously topped with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The feta’s creamy tang is the perfect finishing touch, making every spoonful simply unforgettable.

How to Serve Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe

A close-up image of a blue edged bowl filled with brown lentil soup, with visible lentils and a thick, smooth texture. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding bright color contrast. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, showing a bit of the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small cloth and lemon wedge partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While feta and parsley are classic garnishes for this soup, you can also try a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, a few Kalamata olives, or some toasted pine nuts. These extras add texture and layers of flavor, enhancing the soul-warming experience.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think a fresh baguette or a slice of garlic toast—to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad or a light Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad can also make refreshing accompaniments that complement the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a vibrant presentation, serve your soup in rustic bowls topped with a swirl of Greek yogurt or drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick. Alternatively, a bread bowl can turn this humble dish into a fun and cozy feast that’s sure to impress guests or delight your family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as delicious—if not better—than the first serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container as the soup may expand when frozen. Remember to add fresh spinach or feta cheese only after thawing and reheating, to keep their textures vibrant and fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage. Stir occasionally until heated through, then top with fresh feta and parsley before serving to revive the bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green lentils?

Absolutely! Red lentils cook faster and will create a thicker texture for the soup, so keep an eye on cooking time and add extra broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Is this soup vegan-friendly?

The base recipe includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can easily make it vegan by omitting the feta or using a plant-based feta substitute. The soup remains delicious and nourishing without it!

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add diced celery, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes to boost the flavor and nutrition while keeping it hearty and satisfying.

What can I use if I don’t have vegetable broth?

If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, water with a bit of added seasoning (like a bouillon cube or herbs) will work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that broth adds depth, so seasoning may need to be adjusted.

How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick when reheating?

The soup naturally thickens as it sits. Simply stir in a little extra broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency, then adjust seasoning if needed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and nourishing every single time you make it. With wholesome ingredients and layers of flavor, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or packing for lunch during a busy week. Give it a try and enjoy the warmth and delight it brings to your table!