Description
Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta Cheese is a hearty, nourishing dish featuring tender lentils simmered with fresh spinach and warm spices, finished with tangy feta cheese. This wholesome Mediterranean-inspired soup is flavorful and comforting, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Spices
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground coriander (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Soup Base and Protein
- 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
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onions and carrots: Add the diced onion and carrot to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and optional ground coriander. Cook for 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Add lentils, broth, and tomatoes: Pour in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and canned diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Season the soup: Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted and incorporated into the soup.
- Finish with lemon juice: Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, adding to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Using red lentils will cook faster but result in a thicker consistency.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- The soup thickens as it cools; add extra broth when reheating to loosen the consistency.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
